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Morris County, NJ Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

County parks
No feeding, any animal, ever
Bear feeding (statewide)
Illegal in New Jersey
Deer/geese feeding
Set by your municipality
Park enforcement
Park Commission rangers
Bear enforcement
NJ Fish & Wildlife

Summary

In Morris County parks, feeding any animal is prohibited at all times. On private property, wildlife-feeding rules (deer, bears, geese) are set by your municipality; bear feeding is banned statewide.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Morris County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Feeding of any animal is prohibited at all times.

Full Breakdown

The Morris County Park Commission bars feeding of any animal throughout its parks at all times, to protect wildlife and reduce nuisance and disease. On private property, whether you may feed deer, geese, or other wildlife is governed by your municipal ordinance - many Morris County towns prohibit or limit wildlife feeding to curb deer overpopulation and nuisance geese. Separately, New Jersey law makes it illegal to feed black bears anywhere in the state, a rule enforced by NJ Fish & Wildlife. Feeding stations that attract bears or that create a public nuisance can trigger both state and municipal enforcement, so check your local code before feeding any wildlife.

Violations & Fines

Feeding animals in county parks can result in a summons from Park Commission rangers. Feeding black bears violates state law with escalating fines; municipal wildlife-feeding bans carry local fines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I feed animals in Morris County parks?
No. The Morris County Park Commission prohibits feeding of any animal at all times throughout its parks.
Is it legal to feed bears or deer in New Jersey?
Feeding black bears is illegal statewide. Feeding deer and geese depends on your municipal ordinance, and many Morris County towns restrict it.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Morris County

All Morris County rules

Compare Morris County to another location·View the New Jersey animal ordinances overview

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