Elizabeth Skunk Removal Resources

Skunk Rehabber - Woodlands Wildlife Refuge: (908) 730-8300

Free Union County Animal Services: 908-820-4242

Humane Wildlife Trappers of Elizabeth: 973-607-2206


If you need skunk control in Elizabeth, you have a few options. First, you can attempt to solve the skunk problem yourself by reading our do-it-yourself guide. If you need outside help, you can also call Union County Animal Services to see if they have any free resources or help for you - however, they primarily deal with dog and cat concerns. You can also call a local Elizabeth wildlife rehabber, as they are typically a great resource for advice that is in the best welfare of the animal. If as a last resort you must hire a professional company, we recommend Humane Wildlife Trappers of Elizabeth at 973-607-2206. To learn more about them or check their skunk removal prices, visit elizabethpestanimal.com.



In many cases, preventative measures can solve your Elizabeth skunk problem - keep garbage secured, pet food indoors, and most of all when it comes to skunks, secure the perimeter of your shed, porch, deck, or house with a barrier - lattice or steel mesh is good, and it keeps New Jersey skunks from going under the structure. If trapping and removal of the skunk is the only option you have, please do so with the help of a local agency or professional company who knows how to do it humanely and legally. Browse the resources of this site for more educational information.

Frequently Asked Questions:
Prevention: How to Keep Skunks Away
What to do with a skunk after I catch it?
Is it legal for me to trap a skunk?
How to remove skunk odor
Is a skunk active during the daytime rabid?
What does skunk feces look like?

Elizabeth Skunk Control Information: Ways to Kill a Skunk in the Yard

Skunks are opportunist animals, meaning they take advantage of their surroundings. Whether finding a den, food, or basically living their lives, they make the most of their environment. Therefore, it is not uncommon to see a skunk in your neighborhood or even your own yard. They eat insects and other pests from gardens, dig for grubs, and even small rodents. They are extremely mellow and will usually just go about their business if left alone.

Some people, however, can be overly sensitive to the lingering musky scent they carry, or simply be unable to live with the possibility of getting sprayed. Being the skunks are so easy-going, the risk of spraying is not something to be concerned about unless the skunk feels threatened or cornered. Leave them be and they should leave you alone in return.

There can arise occasions when leaving the skunk alone isn't an option. They are one of four animals who are the primary carriers of the rabies virus, and can, therefore, spread it to humans if contact occurs. Your best bet is to watch them from a safe, secure distance. If they are merely passing through with little concern for you, then the skunk is more than likely fine. If they are stumbling about, seem to be suffering paralysis in their limbs, or appear disoriented then something may be seriously wrong. Also, if they are either overly aggressive or uncharacteristically friendly, bordering on even tame, their behavior should be questioned.

Wildlife generally avoids humans as much as possible. If a skunk does not ignore you or has any of the above symptoms, call your local officials immediately. Rabies is a serious disease and can result in death if not treated. The officials will take care of the skunk and have it tested for the disease.

If, however, your safety, or that of the people around you is in immediate danger from an infected skunk, then you may have no choice. Do whatever you can to keep it outside and any pets or children and adults inside. If you have done everything you possibly can to avoid contact with the skunk and simply cannot, the only humane way to kill a skunk is with a firearm. Again, this should be the absolute last resort. Discharging a firearm improperly can cause more immediate issues than a sick animal. If at all possible, allow a professional to do it for you

Remember, for free services you can try (908) 730-8300 or 908-820-4242, but if you need to pay for professional help, check the prices at the elizabethpestanimal.com website. Or follow our do-it-yourself guide!