the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood Nj, Village of Ridgewood officials are set to vote on Wednesday on a proposed ordinance that would expand the village’s ban on wildlife feeding to include private property.
What the Proposed Ordinance Means
Currently, Ridgewood prohibits feeding wildlife on public property, such as parks. However, the new ordinance would extend the ban to all private properties, restricting both intentional and accidental feeding of wildlife.
The ordinance states that feeding wildlife poses health and safety risks, including:
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The spread of bird flu (H5N1 virus)
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Increased deer and rodent activity, which raises the risk of Lyme disease from ticks
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A greater chance of rabid wildlife encounters, such as raccoons
Bird Feeder Exception & Regulations
While the ordinance would ban feeding all wildlife on private property, an exception would be made for bird feeders, provided they meet the following conditions:
✔ Must be at least 6 feet high
✔ Must have a seed-catching device to minimize attracting other animals
✔ No more than three feeders per property
Concerns Over Deer & Other Wildlife
Deputy Mayor Pamela Perron explained that feeding deer makes them more fertile, increasing the local deer population. More deer mean more ticks near homes, raising concerns over Lyme disease transmission.
Statewide Efforts to Restrict Wildlife Feeding
The proposed Ridgewood ordinance aligns with Assembly Bill A360, currently under review by the New Jersey Legislature. The bill aims to reduce wildlife feeding, particularly to prevent black bear encounters in residential areas. If passed, the state bill would require stricter bird feeder regulations from April to November, including suspending feeders at least 10 feet off the ground and keeping the area clear of debris.
If the state law passes, Ridgewood officials say they will update the local ordinance accordingly.
What’s Next?
The Ridgewood Village Council will vote on the ordinance Wednesday night. If approved, it could significantly change how residents interact with wildlife on their own properties.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing wildlife regulation and how it may impact Ridgewood homeowners!
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Yea ok. Good luck
Worried about lyme disease but still encouraging “no mow” months.
Do these people have any idea how big of a punch line they have become?
Can I still feed the ducks? Is that okay Pam?
Fruit and nut orchards are exempt.
Seriously a fruit and nut farm is ok in a public park. Come on
The Village HOA.
Communists
We are OK with it….
We are
RICH and STUPID
What about flowers feeding bees, seeds from plants feeding birds?
We keep destroying bird habitats etc. Where do we expect them to eat?
Bird feeders, that we can’t now have.
I’m guessing all the serious and significant Village issues have been resolved, and now we have time for this nonsense. That’s great news.
Can we still feed the Garbage Can Squirrels ?
They are worried about bird feeders but not toxic soil leaching into homeowner wells.
I want to see a list of last week’s accomplishments from every member of the council – every week. Failure to comply results in your termination!
#DOGE (Ridgewood edition)