Bergenfield vs Mahwah
How do wildlife feeding rules compare between Bergenfield, NJ and Mahwah, NJ?
Bergenfield has fewer restrictions than Mahwah.
Bergenfield, NJ
Bergen County
Bergenfield prohibits feeding any domestic or wild animal on any property when the feeding attracts rats, mice, flies, or other vermin.
View full Bergenfield rules →Mahwah, NJ
Bergen County
Mahwah prohibits feeding unconfined wildlife in any public park or on township-owned or operated property. Violations carry fines up to $100 or up to ten days in county jail, with confined zoo, park, and rehabilitation animals exempt from the rule.
View full Mahwah rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Bergenfield | Mahwah |
|---|---|---|
| Trigger | Attracts rats, mice, or flies | - |
| Animals Covered | Domestic and wild | - |
| Locations | Any borough property | - |
| Enforced By | Animal Control and Health | - |
| Minimum fine | - | $5 |
| Maximum fine | - | $100 |
| Maximum jail | - | 10 days |
| Scope | - | Township-owned property |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Bergenfield FAQ
Is it illegal to feed stray cats or wild birds in Bergenfield?
Only if the feeding causes or attracts a nuisance of rats, mice, flies, or other vermin. Tidy, small-scale feeding that does not draw pests is generally allowed under the borough code.
What should I do if a neighbor's feeding is attracting rats?
Report it to Bergenfield's Animal Control Officer or Board of Health. The ordinance lets the borough order the practice to stop because the resulting vermin nuisance is unlawful.
Mahwah FAQ
Can I feed deer or geese in a Mahwah park?
No. Mahwah prohibits feeding any unconfined wildlife in public parks or on township-owned or operated property. Violations carry fines up to $100.
Does the wildlife feeding ban apply to private property in Mahwah?
The local ordinance specifically targets public parks and township-owned or operated property. State bear-feeding laws may still apply on private land throughout New Jersey.
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