Skunks at Big Cedar

Question

Did you encounter skunks on your visit to Big Cedar? It seems they are present and not being removed from retail or housing areas.

Answer

Good question — yes, there *are* reports from past guests that does occasionally get skunks wandering around the property (near cottages/lodges or common-area paths).

Here’s a more detailed look at what we know — and what to watch out for — regarding skunks at Big Cedar:

✅ Evidence & visitor reports of skunks at Big Cedar

Some guests explicitly mention seeing skunks near their lodging: one review notes that “there’s a reason they have offseason deals… and … beware of skunks when you leave the room!”
In older guest reports, at the section formerly known as “Bluegreen Wilderness Club at Big Cedar,” a visitor wrote that “skunks visit every evening,” warning that sitting on patios (or exterior-entry porches) could be affected.
Some threads on travel-forum sites among people familiar with Big Cedar explicitly discuss the presence of skunks — including the observation that they are “roaming the property at night, eating leftover food left outside guests’ doors.”
Big Cedar is located in a natural Ozark-woodland environment where wildlife (including small mammals like the common North American Striped skunk, among others) is part of the local fauna.

⚠️ What this means for your stay — pros/cons & what to be prepared for

You may see or hear skunks, especially in the evening or at night, near lodges with exterior entrances or near common-area paths. That’s more likely if food or trash is left outside — skunks are drawn to leftover food.
The presence of skunks suggests that Big Cedar has not tried (or perhaps cannot fully) exclude wildlife from all lodging or retail/housing areas — at least according to guest reports.
Because skunks are wild animals — even though generally wary — there’s always a risk of unpleasant encounters (smell, pets’ interest, possibly even scratching if cornered). It’s wise to keep doors/windows closed at night, avoid leaving food/trash outside, and supervise any small children or pets when outside after dusk.

🎯 My view/recommendation if you stay at Big Cedar and are concerned about skunks

Big Cedar remains a “wilderness-style” resort: that means wildlife is part of the environment and occasional encounters are possible. If I were staying there and a bit concerned about skunks, I’d take a few precautions — don’t leave food or trash outside, keep exterior doors shut at night, stay aware if walking paths after dusk, especially near woods or areas with vegetation. If you have pets (or small children), supervise them at all times outdoors after dark. If you mind the possibility of wildlife wandering near rooms (or the smell), consider lodging in a unit with interior corridors, or ask staff for recommendations for “least-wildlife-prone” accommodations.

Bottom line: yes — skunks have been encountered on the grounds at Big Cedar Lodge by multiple guests, and wildlife appears to roam even near housing or retail/guest-use areas. That doesn’t mean everyone will see them, but it’s a real possibility. If you go, treat Big Cedar as a resort embedded in nature — enjoyable for its natural setting, but with some trade-offs (wildlife, including skunks). With a little awareness, you can have a comfortable stay while respecting the natural surroundings.

Skunks at Big Cedar

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