Clifton, NJ Animal Ordinances: Bird Protection (2026)

Section 351-2A(8) of the Clifton parks and playgrounds chapter protects wildlife found within the City's public parks, playgrounds and recreation areas. The ordinance bars a long list of specific acts: hunting, molesting, killing, wounding, trapping, abusing, shooting, pursuing or throwing missiles at any animal, reptile or bird, as well as removing one from the park or possessing it there. It separately prohibits disturbing an animal's habitat within a park, closing off the loophole of leaving the animal alone but destroying its nest or burrow. Downstream commerce in taken wildlife is covered too: knowingly buying, receiving, possessing, selling or giving away any animal, reptile, bird or eggs taken in violation of this rule is its own offense.

The only carve-out is activity specifically provided for and conducted in accordance with state and/or federal fish and game laws, meaning a licensed hunter or trapper operating under a state permit in a park area where that activity is otherwise allowed would not violate this section. The Clifton Police Department enforces Chapter 351 under § 351-6D, and officers or park employees may eject any violator from the park area under § 351-6B and seize any device used in the violation under § 351-6C.