Garfield vs Mahwah
How do wildlife feeding rules compare between Garfield, NJ and Mahwah, NJ?
Garfield has fewer restrictions than Mahwah.
Garfield, NJ
Bergen County
Garfield bans feeding waterfowl, songbirds, pigeons, and backyard birds on public property and limits private feeding to small, nuisance-free amounts.
View full Garfield 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 | Garfield | Mahwah |
|---|---|---|
| Public Property | Bird feeding prohibited | - |
| Feeder Capacity | Five pounds maximum | - |
| Nuisance Standard | No droppings buildup allowed | - |
| Covered Birds | Waterfowl, songbirds, pigeons | - |
| Minimum fine | - | $5 |
| Maximum fine | - | $100 |
| Maximum jail | - | 10 days |
| Scope | - | Township-owned property |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Garfield FAQ
Can I feed pigeons in a Garfield park?
No. The ordinance prohibits feeding waterfowl, songbirds, pigeons, and backyard birds in any public park or on any other property owned or operated by the City of Garfield.
Are bird feeders allowed in my Garfield backyard?
Yes, but only if the feeder holds five pounds or less of seed, does not unreasonably disturb neighbors, and does not cause droppings to accumulate on your property or adjacent ones.
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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