Mahwah vs Ridgewood
How do wildlife feeding rules compare between Mahwah, NJ and Ridgewood, NJ?
Mahwah has fewer restrictions than Ridgewood.
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 →Ridgewood, NJ
Bergen County
Ridgewood prohibits feeding unconfined wildlife and restricts bird feeders on private property, requiring elevation, seed catchers, and a maximum of three feeders per lot.
View full Ridgewood rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mahwah | Ridgewood |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum fine | $5 | - |
| Maximum fine | $100 | - |
| Maximum jail | 10 days | - |
| Scope | Township-owned property | - |
| Min feeder height | - | 6 feet |
| Feeders per lot | - | 3 maximum |
| Ground feeding | - | Prohibited |
| Fine range | - | $25 to $1,000 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Ridgewood FAQ
Are bird feeders banned in Ridgewood?
No, but they must be at least six feet above the ground, have seed-catching devices, and you may have no more than three feeders on any property.
Can I leave food out for deer or stray cats?
No. Feeding deer, raccoons, wildfowl, and other unconfined wildlife is prohibited on both public and private property in Ridgewood.
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