Freehold, NJ Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)

New Jersey has one of the most comprehensive wildlife feeding restriction frameworks in the Northeast. NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife regulations at N.J.A.C. 7:25-5.22 prohibit intentional feeding of black bears with fines up to $1,000 per occurrence; applies statewide including increasingly-populated western Monmouth (Howell, Millstone, Manalapan, Upper Freehold). Deer feeding restrictions under N.J.A.C. 7:25-5.13 limit baiting during certain hunting seasons. Municipal ordinances add local rules: Middletown Code §95-12 prohibits feeding feral cats, deer, geese, and waterfowl; Long Branch Code §89-8 prohibits feeding wild animals on public property and restricts large-volume private feeding; Howell Code §120-34 restricts wildlife feeding with emphasis on bears and deer; Freehold Township Code §60-11 prohibits feeding wildlife creating nuisance conditions. Canada goose feeding is specifically prohibited in many Monmouth towns with large populations (Holmdel Park, Thompson Park, Lake Topanemus). Feral cat colonies operate under TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) protocols through Monmouth County SPCA and municipal partners; these operations are typically exempt from feeding bans. Unsecured trash and pet food left outdoors can constitute unintentional feeding violation in bear-active areas. NJDEP's Bear Smart Communities program encourages bear-resistant trash receptacles. Bird feeders in residential areas are generally permitted but must be taken down or made bear-resistant April through November in western Monmouth. Urban coyote feeding violations investigated by local police plus NJ Fish and Wildlife. Beach area seagull feeding creates specific enforcement issues in Asbury Park, Long Branch, Belmar.