New Jersey bans intentionally feeding black bears statewide, and many Somerset County municipalities add ordinances against feeding deer, geese, or feral cats that create a nuisance. There is no county-wide rule; songbird feeders are generally allowed.
Wildlife-feeding rules come from state regulation and individual municipal ordinances, not the county. New Jersey prohibits the intentional or reckless feeding of black bears, which range into western Somerset County, with fines enforced by state conservation officers. On top of that, towns such as Bridgewater, Bernards, and Montgomery adopt ordinances barring the feeding of deer, Canada geese, or other wildlife where it draws animals toward roads, spreads disease, or creates a sanitation nuisance. Feeding that lures a rabies-vector animal like a raccoon or skunk near homes creates liability. Ordinary backyard songbird feeders are generally unrestricted.
Intentionally feeding black bears violates state wildlife regulation and draws conservation-officer enforcement and fines. A municipal anti-feeding ordinance is enforced by the local health officer or animal-control officer with fines.
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See how Somerset County's wildlife feeding rules stack up against other locations.
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