Essex County, NJ Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- § 74-22.F, County Code
- Covers
- Birds, animals, fish, wildlife
- Max penalty
- $5,000 fine or 90 days jail
- Applies to
- All Essex County park property
Summary
Essex County prohibits giving food or any other substance to birds, animals, fish or other wildlife anywhere on county park property, with no stated exceptions.
No person shall give or offer or attempt to give or offer any food or any other substance to any bird (including all migratory and nonmigratory birds), animal, fish or other wildlife in a County park or property.
G. Climbing and misuse of County property. No person shall engage in any form of climbing on natural structures, including but not limited to tree climbing, rock climbing, rappelling, and/or bouldering in any County park or property, nor shall any person climb, repel, or otherwise get upon any statue, fence, gate, or other structure in any County park or property or use any structure in a County park or property in any other way than that for which it was designed.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4440876; v14 updated 2025-08-13; through 08-13-2025).
Full Breakdown
Section 74-22.F of the county's park code bars feeding wildlife across the entire Essex County park system. The rule covers all birds, migratory and nonmigratory, plus animals, fish and any other wildlife found in a county park or on county park property. It sits inside Article VIII's broader natural-resources protections, alongside bans on hunting, disturbing vegetation and damaging park structures. County Park Police and Sheriff's officers can eject anyone violating the rule, and Chapter 74 violations not otherwise penalized carry fines up to $5,000.
Violations & Fines
Violations of Chapter 74 not separately penalized carry up to a $5,000 fine, 90 days in county jail, or 90 days community service upon conviction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I feed the geese at an Essex County park?
Does the ban include feeding stray cats?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Essex County
Compare Essex County to another location·View the New Jersey animal ordinances overview
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