Skunk issues: Wildlife officials want to know what Avalon is doing with skunks

A New Jersey borough may be in trouble with state wildlife officials over the removal of skunks.

According to the Press of Atlantic City, state wildlife officials want to know what Avalon is doing with its skunks. A spokesman for the state’s Division of Fish and Wildlife told the Press of Atlantic City the borough doesn’t have a permit and should not be removing the skunks.

Mayor Martin Pagliughi tells the Press of Atlantic City the borough is reacting to skunk complaints from residents and has removed nearly 80 off the island within the last year. Pagliughi would only say the skunks were entering the “witness protection program.”

State wildlife officials say a permit is needed to remove a species, but usually it’s not recommended because they can cause problems in a new location.