Ridgewood prohibits feeding unconfined wildlife and restricts bird feeders on private property, requiring elevation, seed catchers, and a maximum of three feeders per lot.
In April 2025 Ridgewood became the first New Jersey municipality to extend its wildlife feeding ban onto private property. The ordinance prohibits intentional and incidental feeding of birds, deer, wildfowl, raccoons, and other unconfined wildlife not kept as domestic pets. Bird feeders are not banned outright but must be installed at least six feet above the ground, equipped with seed-catching devices to limit spillage, and limited to three feeders per property. Ground feeding is entirely prohibited because it draws bears, deer, rodents, and disease-carrying birds into residential areas.
Violations carry fines starting at $25 with a maximum of $1,000 per offense. Continued non-compliance after warning can escalate penalties.
See how other cities in Bergen County handle wildlife feeding.
See how Ridgewood's wildlife feeding rules stack up against other locations.
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