by RIDGEWOOD, N.J. — The village of Ridgewood has made headlines as the first municipality in New Jersey to ban wildlife feeding — including bird feeders — on private property. The new law, passed April 9 by the Ridgewood Village Council, aims to address rising concerns about public safety and the growing presence of black bears in residential areas.
Previously, the town only restricted feeding animals in public spaces. But under the new ordinance, the ban extends to private land — marking a significant shift in local wildlife management. The rule targets both intentional and unintentional feeding of animals, with strict regulations now placed on backyard bird feeders.
To comply, residents must hang feeders at least six feet off the ground, install seed-catchers to prevent spillage, and limit the number of feeders to three per property. Ground feeding is now completely prohibited. These rules apply year-round and are intended to reduce visits from bears, deer, rodents, and even birds that may carry diseases such as avian flu.
“Feeding wildlife brings them closer to homes, creating health and safety hazards,” said Deputy Mayor Pamela Perron. Officials also cited the risk of tick-borne illnesses, bird flu (H5N1), and disruptions to the local ecosystem.
Local Action Sparks Controversy as State Debates Wider Ban
Ridgewood’s move comes while state lawmakers are still debating two bills — Assembly Bill A360 and Senate Bill S765 — that originally proposed similar statewide limits on bird feeders. The bills aimed to reduce bear attractants by requiring feeders to be suspended 10 feet off the ground, taken in at night, and cleared of seed debris. Noncompliance could lead to fines of up to $1,000.
However, after strong public backlash, lawmakers removed the bird feeder restrictions and shifted their focus to trash management. As of April 2025, the revised bill is still under review, with no scheduled vote.
Back in Ridgewood, the new ordinance has sparked public outcry, especially on social media. Critics argue that the law infringes on personal freedoms and targets bird enthusiasts unfairly.
“Ridgewood, New Jersey wants to BAN private citizens from feeding wildlife… How about NO,” wrote one X (formerly Twitter) user, echoing the frustration of many of the state’s estimated 2.3 million birdwatchers.
Uncertain Enforcement and a Watchful Eye from Neighboring Towns
Although the ordinance is now law, Ridgewood officials have yet to clarify how it will be enforced. Questions remain about penalties, monitoring, and how exceptions — such as those for licensed wildlife rehabilitators — will be handled.
Still, the move has drawn interest from nearby towns, some of which are considering similar restrictions. Ridgewood lies in Bergen County, one of the regions with the highest levels of bear activity, according to data from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.
Whether Ridgewood’s example becomes a statewide trend may depend on public reaction and whether the state legislature ultimately passes its own wildlife feeding restrictions.
