Skunk musk deployed as UI’s evergreen anti-theft strategy 

University of Idaho Facilities have sprayed skunk musk on campus trees to prevent theft. This anti-theft tactic, along with signage posted by smaller Christmas tree-sized evergreens around campus, was implemented in 1990 because of an annual average of four to five evergreen trees cut down and tree-napped around the winter holidays every year.  

The repellent is non-volatile in the cold weather and does not affect passersby, but when brought inside the home and warmed to room temperature, the rancid smell of skunk musk releases. This stench can also seep into furniture and fabrics, making it a stinky holiday season.  

Between 20 to 25 “smaller, easy to access” trees are sprayed all around campus every year, according to Craig Carson, the director of grounds and facilities. 

Tree theft from private property has already been reported in Moscow this year by Moscow-Pullman Daily News, where a 12-foot tree was stolen from the 1400 block of Sunnyside Avenue around midnight on Wednesday, Dec. 3.  

An alternative to tree-napping is to cut down a tree on Idaho public land. Permits can be obtained online or at Idaho Bureau of Land Management offices located in Boise, Twin Falls, Idaho Falls and Coeur d’ Alene and cost $1 with special pricing that will last through Jan. 26, 2026. Normal prices ranges from $5-$10 depending on the region.  

There is a limit of three trees per person, a height limit of 20 feet and other restrictions, which can be read on the Idaho Bureau of Land Management website. 

There are also U-Pick Christmas Tree farms around Moscow, such Spring Valley Family Tree Farm, West Twin Tree Farm and Moscow Tree Farm. 

Other than anti-theft prevention, trees and signs for the holiday season, UI also decorates the campus with Christmas lights and other holiday decorations. 

On Dec. 1, UI lit up the ISUB plaza with a towering evergreen Christmas tree. There is also a Vandal themed tree inside the ISUB and plenty of Christmas lights set up around campus. 

“Since the ISUB tree went in, we want to keep that the focal point of the holiday season,” Carson said. 

The safety of the tree itself is a priority for UI. Carson said the hardest part of decorating is ensuring it is being done safely without damaging the tree.  

Emily Morales can be reached at [email protected].