Living with New Jersey wildlife

New Jersey wildlife can share residential neighborhoods, farms, parks, and roads. Black bears, coyotes, foxes, raccoons, opossums, deer, and other animals may search for food or move through a yard. The safest first steps are usually to keep a respectful distance, bring pets and children indoors, secure food and trash, and give the animal a way to leave. Do not feed or approach wildlife.

Black bears are powerful omnivores and opportunistic foragers. Keep garbage in a secure container or building until collection day, clean grills, remove pet food and bird seed when not in use, and never feed a bear. NJDEP provides current bear-safety guidance and a 24-hour hotline for bear concerns.

Coyotes and foxes are predators that help regulate small-animal populations, but they may also be drawn to unsecured trash, pet food, fallen fruit, or accessible poultry. Do not feed or try to tame them. Secure rabbits and poultry, bring pets in at night, supervise small pets outside, and pick up fallen fruit. If a coyote approaches people without fear or attacks, NJDEP advises contacting local police and Fish and Wildlife.

Raccoons are adaptable foragers that may raid unsecured garbage, compost, pet food, or sheds. Close access to food and shelter without trapping an animal inside. Avoid direct contact: wildlife can bite or scratch, and sick-looking behavior needs professional assessment. Do not try to catch, poison, or relocate an animal yourself.

If an animal appears injured, sick, orphaned, or trapped, keep people and pets away and contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or animal control before intervening. A young animal may not be abandoned; a parent may be nearby. Use NJDEP’s current reporting instructions for unusual or rare wildlife sightings and wildlife road observations, and make reports only from a safe place. For an immediate threat to human safety, contact local emergency services.

For a quick yard check, look for unsecured garbage, pet food, bird seed, fallen fruit, dirty grills, open sheds, and gaps under porches. Remove food attractants, secure containers, and close entry points only after confirming no animal is inside. Keep pets supervised and wildlife at a distance. Do not feed, poison, trap, or relocate an animal yourself.

For injured or young wildlife, pause before intervening: a parent may be nearby and a well-meant rescue can separate an animal from its family. Keep people and pets back, note the location, and call a licensed rehabilitator or animal control before handling. For species-specific concerns, follow NJDEP’s current guidance and use its listed reporting channels.