I appreciate all the replies to my query. When these raids happen, most of my tamed (level 0) wolves die so I guess I’m going to have to bite the proverbial bullet and tame a 2 star wolf and start a breeding program. I’ve moved my wolves to another part of my island for now.

This is from the official Valheim wiki:
“Defeating The Elder enables “A foul smell from the swamp” (if Bonemass hasn’t been defeated)

I think what most posts are saying is that it doesn’t matter when Bonemass is killed, the “foul smell” event will still randomly happen. Is that right?