NEWBURYPORT (CBS) -- It's a smelly problem, but officials at a park in Newburyport have decided to take action against skunks that have been rooting around, by putting a price on their heads.

City leaders say skunks have been digging up gardens, and have generally been a nuisance at Waterfront Park on the Merrimack River. In response, they've put a $75 bounty on each skunk, and hired someone to catch and kill them.

One woman sitting on a bench in the park with friends approved.

"I think it's a good idea but they should up the ante," she told WBZ NewsRadio 1030. "I wouldn't do it for $75, I'd go at least $150.

"I might charge $75 for a chipmunk."

But the plan didn't go over as well with some dog walkers.

"I think it's terrible, I don't think they bother anybody," one woman said. "They're very friendly."

Another skunk supporter also chimed in.

"I think they have a purpose and it's a good idea to leave them alone," a man said.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Doug Cope reports

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