New Jersey Statewide Rule
New Jersey Black Bear and Wildlife Feeding Ban
Key Facts
- Bear feeding statute
- N.J.S.A. 23:2A-14
- Penalty
- Up to $1,000 per offense
- Warning first
- Required before any penalty
- Enforcement
- Division of Fish and Wildlife
Summary
New Jersey statute bans the intentional feeding of black bears statewide and authorizes wildlife regulators to address other species attracting nuisance behavior.
1. a. No person shall: (1) feed, give, place, expose, deposit, distribute or scatter any edible material or attractant with the intention of feeding, attracting or enticing a black bear; or (2) store pet food, garbage or other bear attractants in a manner that will result in bear feedings when black bear are known to frequent the area.
Full Breakdown
Under N.J.S.A. 23:2A-14, it is unlawful to intentionally feed black bears anywhere in New Jersey, with limited allowance for inadvertent feeding such as bird feeders. The Division of Fish and Wildlife enforces the ban and must issue a written warning before assessing any civil penalty. The Fish and Game Code also restricts deer baiting outside hunting seasons. These rules apply uniformly statewide and supplement, rather than depend on, local nuisance ordinances.
Violations & Penalties
A first bear-feeding violation draws a required written warning. After that, a civil penalty of up to $1,000 applies per offense, and each day feeding continues is treated as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are bird feeders legal in bear country?
Can towns allow bear feeding?
Sources
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