NJ mulls restricting use of bird feeders
State hopes law would deter snacking bears
By: Bruce A Scruton
Newton New Jersey Herald
USA Today Network
..... New Jersey's black bear population is still expanding despite the annual hunt, so some state lawmakers want to set tougher rules on a top culprit in hew,an-bear encounters: bird feeders.
..... State legislators last month [09/2024] advanced a bill that would impose new regulations on unintentional feeding of bears, whether through bird feeders, deer bait, pet food or other meals left for animals in the outdoors. violators could be fined up to $1,000 per offense.
..... The proposal is working its way through the Legislature as the latest bear hunt approaches: Archery season in northwest New Jersey is October 14 to 19. [2024] Muzzle-loaders are allowed during the last three days of archery season and during the shotgun season, scheduled to begin December 9. [2024]
..... The controversial hunt has slowed the growth of the bear population but hasn't reduced the overall number, state officials say. The Department of Environmental Protection estimates that the number of bears in Morris, Passaic, Sussex and Warren counties, where the population is centered, has risen to 3,000 this year, [2024] form about 1,500 in 2018.
..... Black bear encounters, ranging form simple sightings to more serious episodes including injuries humans, are also up around the state.
..... Biologists say bears are attracted to the same kinds of seeds and other food used lure birds and other wildlife. They say unintended feeding draws bears into populated areas, where they're more likely to threaten people, pets, property and livestock.
..... It's already illegal to purposely feed bears in New Jersey. The new legislation, A360 in the Assembly and S765 in the senate, would remove the current law's blanker exemption for unintentional feeding and set new requirements for residents, such as keeping bird feeders at least 10 feet off the ground from April through November.
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"When bears wander into human neighborhoods, they're typically drawn by easily accessible food, such as unsecured trash cans, companion animal food and low-hanging bird feeders," the Animal Legal Defense Fund, a nonprofit that supports the measure, says on its website. "Bears who eat these human-sourced foods - or piles of sugary-baits left by hunters who bait deer and other animals can become habituated to and dependent on them, rather than their natural diet."
..... Introduced by Democratic Assemblymen Clinton Calabrese, who represents parts of bergen and Passaic counties, and Sterley Stanley, of Middlesex County, the bill passed the Assembly Commerce, Economic Development and Agriculture Committee by an 8-3 vote on September 12. [2024] It still must pass the full Assembly and Senate and get Governor Phil Murphy's signature to become law
..... Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia was one of three to vote against the legislation in committee. She criticized the proposal for "mixing wildlife science with political science," she said. The Republican, whose district covers all of Sussex and parts of Morris and Warren counties, said the bill was the work of anti-hunting groups and "legislators who don't know our problems" with bears.
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The bill would make it illegal to leave food outdoors for most animals, but it includes exceptions for agriculture uses; people licensed to posses wildlife; and those feeding "companion animals" or managing an approved cat colony. those allowance come with the stipulation that any uneaten food be removed every night.
..... Also allowed would be "feeding, baiting, or luring of wildlife for management or scientific purpose."
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For bird feeders put out between April 1 and November 20, the proposed law has several requirements:
* The feeder must be suspended on a cable or other device at least 10 feet above the ground.
* the area below the bird feeder must be kept free from bird food, bird food debris or any times that may be construed as bird food.
* Feeder must be emptied or brought indoors every night.
* If a bear gains access to the feeder, the access shall be corrected or the bird feeder removed within 48 hours.
..... The law requires a first-time offender to be given a warning, but penalties after that can reach $1,000 per incident, payable to the local municipality. Violation of "a continuing nature" can be hit with additional, daily fines.
..... Calabrese didn't respond to message seeking comment. The legislation has 12 cosponsors, along with 10 for a companion measure in the SE ante, drawing support from both parties.