Rabid Skunk Found in Cherry Hill, NJ; 2 People, 2 Dogs Possibly Exposed

Health officials urge residents to keep pets vaccinated and avoid contact with wild animals.

Feb. 26, 2026 at 10:06pm

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A skunk found in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, has tested positive for rabies, according to the Camden County Department of Health and Human Services. Two residents who trapped the skunk and their two dogs may have been exposed to the deadly virus. Health officials are recommending the residents seek medical attention and that the dogs, which are vaccinated, be confined and observed for four months.

Why it matters

Rabies is a serious and potentially fatal illness, but it can be prevented through early treatment after exposure. This incident highlights the importance of pet vaccination and avoiding contact with wild animals to reduce the risk of rabies transmission.

The details

On February 20, two Cherry Hill residents found a skunk fighting with their two dogs in their backyard. The residents safely trapped the skunk and took it to a wildlife rescue center, which then arranged for the skunk to be tested for rabies. On February 26, the state Public Health & Environmental Laboratories in Trenton confirmed that the skunk had tested positive for rabies.

  • On February 20, the skunk was found and trapped by the Cherry Hill residents.
  • On February 26, the test results confirming the skunk had rabies were received.

The players

Camden County Department of Health and Human Services

The local health department that announced the rabid skunk incident and is providing guidance to residents.

Cherry Hill residents

Two people who trapped the rabid skunk and may have been exposed to rabies.

State Public Health & Environmental Laboratories

The state laboratory that tested the skunk and confirmed it had rabies.

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What they’re saying

“Rabies is a serious illness, but it can be prevented by early treatment after exposure. If you have been bitten or scratched by a wild animal, it is important that you seek immediate medical attention.”

— Jennifer Cooley Fleisher, Camden County Department of Health Commissioner

What’s next

The dog owners who trapped the skunk were notified that they may have been exposed to rabies and were recommended to talk to their physicians about receiving post-exposure prophylaxis.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the importance of keeping pet vaccinations up to date, avoiding contact with wild animals, and seeking immediate medical care if exposed to a potentially rabid animal. Proactive steps can help prevent the spread of this deadly virus.