RIDGEWOOD, N.J. — The village of Ridgewood has enacted new restrictions on wildlife feeding on private property, becoming the first municipality in New Jersey to impose local limits on bird feeders amid growing statewide debate over black bear management.
On April 9, the Ridgewood Village Council approved an ordinance that expands its prior ban on feeding wildlife in public spaces to include private land. The measure prohibits all intentional and accidental feeding of wildlife, except under strict conditions for bird feeders.
Under the new ordinance, bird feeders must be placed at least six feet off the ground, be equipped with seed-catching devices to prevent spillage, and be limited to no more than three per property. Ground feeding is banned entirely. The rules apply year-round and are aimed at reducing encounters with animals such as bears, deer, rodents, and birds carrying diseases.
“Feeding wildlife brings them closer to homes, creating health and safety hazards,” Deputy Mayor Pamela Perron said during council discussions. The ordinance also cites concerns over tick-borne illnesses, bird flu (H5N1), and ecological disruption.
Local action sparks backlash amid stalled state bill
Ridgewood’s ordinance comes as the New Jersey Legislature continues to debate Assembly Bill A360 and Senate Bill S765, proposals that would amend state law to restrict bird feeders as part of efforts to curb bear attractants. The original bill would have allowed feeders only from April 1 to November 30 if suspended 10 feet above the ground, brought in nightly, and kept free of ground debris. Violations could result in fines up to $1,000.
The measure passed committee in September 2024 but was revised in late 2024 after public outcry. Lawmakers removed bird feeder restrictions, opting to focus instead on trash control. As of April 2025, the bill remains under legislative review, with no set date for a floor vote.
In Ridgewood, the local ordinance has sparked public opposition. Social media posts have criticized the law as an infringement on property rights and an attack on bird-watching, a hobby enjoyed by an estimated 2.3 million residents statewide, according to a 2021 Statista survey.
One user wrote on X, “Ridgewood New Jersey wants to BAN private citizens from feeding the wildlife… How about NO,” reflecting a broader pushback against government intervention in backyard practices.
Neighboring towns watching as enforcement questions loom
While Ridgewood’s law is now in effect, its practical enforcement remains to be seen. Local officials have not detailed how violations will be monitored or penalized. The ordinance does not address how exceptions—such as those for managed wildlife habitats or rehabilitation centers—would be handled.
The move has drawn attention from neighboring towns, some of which are reportedly reviewing similar measures. Bergen County is among the regions with the highest reported bear activity in the state, according to Department of Environmental Protection data.
Whether other municipalities will follow Ridgewood’s lead may depend on the fate of the state bill and the public response to local enforcement efforts.
