Bird Feeders vs. Black Bears: Is New Jersey About to Outlaw Backyard Birdwatching?

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, welcome to New Jersey, where you can still pump your own gas (sort of), dodge potholes like a pro, and maybe—just maybe—face a hefty fine for daring to feed the birds. Yes, you read that right. A new bill currently fluttering through the state legislature would restrict how, when, and even if you can hang that innocent little bird feeder in your yard. Why? Because… bears.

Why the Sudden Crackdown on Bird Buffets?

The proposed legislation aims to reduce black bear encounters by cutting off their favorite roadside diners: your bird feeder, that bowl of kibble left out for Mittens, and your grandma’s lifelong hobby of luring chickadees with breadcrumbs.

From April 1 to November 30, residents would have to:

• Suspend feeders at least 10 feet off the ground

• Empty and remove them every night

• Clean up any seed debris like it’s a crime scene

Failure to comply could result in fines up to $1,000. All this in the name of preventing bears from swinging by for a snack and overstaying their welcome.

“It’s the Nanny State, But for Birds.”

Critics, including Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia (R-Sussex) and GOP strategist Alex Wilkes, aren’t mincing words. Wilkes called the proposal “absurd,” pointing out that her kids love watching birds every morning. But under this bill, she’d have to perform a daily Cirque du Soleil act to take the feeder down and put it back up again.

“It’s unenforceable,” Wilkes added. “And honestly, it’s a symptom of the nanny state. Next thing you know, they’ll be regulating squirrel yoga.”

Fantasia agrees. “This bill is so unbelievably offensive,” she said, noting that it unfairly targets rural areas like Sussex County. Her point? A hungry bear isn’t going to stop at your bird feeder. If it wants food, it’ll check out your garage, your garbage can, or your garden gnome with the suspiciously snackable nose.

Bears: 1, Bird Feeders: 0?

The bill’s fines range from:

• $100 to $500 for a first offense

• $300 to $1,000 for repeat bird-feeding bandits

The legislation would also ban overnight cat food, and limit outdoor feeding for felines to two hours per day in bear-prone zones. Because apparently, Garfield is part of the bear problem now.

The original bird-feeder ban may be getting removed from the bill thanks to pushback, with State Sen. Gordon Johnson (D-Bergen) saying the focus will shift to bear-proof garbage cans instead. (Great—finally, something your trash can can be proud of.)

What’s Actually Bear-Proof, Anyway?

Short answer: not much. Bears are basically furry tanks with claws and the determination of a toddler who knows there are cookies on the top shelf. Still, if you insist on feeding birds responsibly, here are a few bear-resistant tips:

• Use hot pepper bird seed (bears hate it, birds don’t care)

• Clean up spillage under feeders

• Use metal poles and mount feeders high up

• Wrap smooth metal around trees to deter climbers

• Lock up trash, pet food, and compost

Bird Watchers in Revolt

Bird lovers and backyard naturalists are up in arms—feathers ruffled, if you will. Critics argue the bill could disproportionately impact seniors and hobbyists who simply enjoy the feathered drama unfolding in their yards.

And, as Wilkes cheekily pointed out, “Even Tony Soprano found peace feeding his ducks. Now, we can’t even have damn bird feeders?”

Bear Hunt vs. Bird Ban

So what’s really going on here? Some say the bill is a roundabout way of managing the state’s booming bear population without resorting to the controversial bear hunt, which was reinstated in 2022. Nearly 400 bears were harvested last year—but that hasn’t stopped more from lumbering into suburban streets looking for lunch.

Fantasia says rural folks aren’t scared of the bears. They’re just tired of being the ones told what to do by lawmakers who think nature starts and ends at Central Park.

“We’d do ourselves a favor if we listened to the people who actually live with bears,” she said. “Instead of making silly laws about birdseed.”

Final Thoughts: A Bill for the Birds?

This bird-feeder bill may still be in committee, but it’s already stirring up political feathers. Whether you’re on Team Bird or Team Bear, one thing’s clear: New Jersey wildlife policy is never boring. And hey, if this all falls through, at least we’ve got a new Olympic sport—midnight bird feeder takedowns.

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