Wildlife Feeding: Edison vs Perth Amboy
How do wildlife feeding rules compare between Edison, NJ and Perth Amboy, NJ?
Edison and Perth Amboy have similar restriction levels.
Edison, NJ
Middlesex County
Wildlife feeding in Edison Township is regulated primarily by New Jersey state law. N.J.A.C. 7:25-5.24 prohibits intentional or unintentional feeding of black bears statewide, with $1,000 first-offense fines. NJDEP also prohibits feeding deer in areas where deer-vehicle collisions are a concern. Edison's Chapter 9 (Animals) and Chapter 12 (Health) address general nuisance feeding such as putting food out for stray cats, raccoons, or pigeons that creates a rat-attraction problem.
View full Edison rules →Perth Amboy, NJ
Middlesex County
Feeding wildlife in Middlesex County is addressed through municipal ordinances and New Jersey state rules. Feeding black bears is prohibited statewide, and many towns separately ban feeding deer, geese and other wildlife that create nuisances.
View full Perth Amboy rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Edison | Perth Amboy |
|---|---|---|
| Bear-Feeding Rule | N.J.A.C. 7:25-5.24 (statewide) | - |
| Bear First Fine | $1,000 minimum | - |
| Deer Feeding | Restricted in CWD/concentration zones | - |
| Local Nuisance | Edison Ch. 12 (Health Code) | - |
| Enforcement | NJDEP / Edison Health Dept | - |
| Bear feeding | - | Banned statewide |
| State rule | - | N.J.A.C. 7:25-5 |
| Other wildlife | - | Municipal ordinances |
| Common targets | - | Deer, geese |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Edison FAQ
Is it illegal to feed bears in Edison, NJ?
Yes. N.J.A.C. 7:25-5.24 prohibits intentional or unintentional bear feeding statewide, including in Edison. First offense is a $1,000 fine, with NJDEP Conservation Police enforcement. Even leaving pet food, garbage, or bird seed accessible to bears can trigger a citation.
Can I feed feral cats in Edison Township?
Feeding feral cats is not flatly banned, but it must not create unsanitary or vermin-attracting conditions under Edison's Chapter 12 (Health Code). Properly managed TNR colonies coordinated with Edison Animal Control are generally tolerated; uncontrolled outdoor feeding that attracts rats or wildlife can be cited as a nuisance.
What about feeding ducks at Roosevelt Park?
Middlesex County and the State Park Service discourage feeding waterfowl because bread and processed foods cause angel wing and pollute the pond. While not separately codified in Edison's Township ordinance, park rangers can issue warnings, and chronic feeding can be cited as a nuisance under county park regulations.
Perth Amboy FAQ
Is feeding wildlife illegal in Middlesex County?
Feeding black bears is banned statewide under N.J.A.C. 7:25-5. Feeding deer, geese and other wildlife may be prohibited by your municipality's own ordinance.
Who enforces wildlife feeding bans?
The state enforces the bear-feeding ban; local wildlife-feeding ordinances are enforced by the municipality through its health or code officials.
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