Wildlife Control
The Township of East Brunswick is unable to provide services for healthy residential wildlife control. We advise that you call a private residential wildlife control company to assist you with problems. Telephone numbers may be found in the phone book or by online searches.
Sick or Threatening Animals
If an animal is acting unusual, appears to be sick, or is threatening you in some way, please contact our Animal Control Officer immediately at 732-390-6960. During weekends, and after 4 pm on weekdays contact the Police Department at 732-390-6900
Injured Animals
If you encounter an injured dog, cat, or wild animal please contact our Animal Control Officer for assistance at 732-390-6960, weekdays after 4 pm and weekends, contact the Police Department at 732-390-6900.
In New Jersey, cats are the third highest species of animal to encounter rabies. This is largely due to the numbers of stray unvaccinated cats that are found throughout New Jersey.
Trap & Neuter Programs
Trap and neuter programs promote vaccinations and the keeping of cat colonies with population control. However, newly vaccinated cats remain protected for only one year and eventually become susceptible again to rabies. Once a stray cat is trapped, it is extremely difficult to trap again for revaccination.
Don't Feed Feral Cats
As such, given the nocturnal habits, feral cats are more likely to encounter wild raccoons and skunks (the natural reservoir for rabies), for this reason we strongly recommend not feeding feral cats.
There are two species of foxes found in New Jersey:
- The Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes)
- The Gray Fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus)
Both species are present throughout the state. Both are classified as game species and are valuable furbearers and have both hunting and trapping seasons.
Fox Problems
Problems associated with foxes include depredation on domestic animals, perceptions of danger to humans (healthy foxes pose virtually no danger to humans), and their potential to carry disease organisms. Foxes will prey on small livestock such as ducks, chickens, rabbits, and young lambs, but generally do not bother larger livestock. Cats may also be preyed on. Foxes often carry their prey to a secluded area or their den where it is eaten by the adults and young.
Habitats
Foxes, especially red foxes, commonly live in close association with human residences and communities. They frequently inhabit yards, parks, and golf courses, especially areas that adjoin suitable, undeveloped habitat. Foxes can grow accustomed to human activity but are seldom aggressive toward people. Healthy foxes pose virtually no danger to humans. Expanding housing development, particularly in historically rural areas, increases the chances of interactions between humans and foxes, as well as other wildlife.
Removing Attractants
Many homeowners do not realize that their lawn may be a more attractive habitat to foxes than surrounding mature forest. Eliminating healthy foxes is not warranted based solely on human safety concerns. People uncomfortable with the presence of foxes should remove attractants, exclude foxes with fencing and employ scaring techniques. In many cases, homeowner's perceptions of problems are unfounded and in some cases, the mere presence of a fox is perceived as a problem.
Abnormal Behaviors
Animals that appear sick or that are acting abnormally should be avoided. The following symptoms may indicate the presence of rabies or other neurological diseases in mammals:
- Unprovoked aggression
- Impaired movement
- Paralysis or lack of coordination
- Unusually friendly behavior and disorientation
Helpful Resources
Animal control, police, or the Division of Fish and Wildlife's Wildlife Control Unit or the DEP Hotline (877-WARN-DEP) should be contacted if assistance is needed with a diseased animal.
The coyote is a wild member of the dog family. This resourceful mammal has expanded its range significantly in the recent past, colonizing the entire Northeast and now found throughout New Jersey. The coyote was never introduced or stocked in New Jersey, but has firmly established itself in the East Brunswick area through its extremely adaptable nature.
When Is It a Problem
If a coyote is seen on your property or any other wildlife, just monitor the situation. If the wildlife is just passing through without showing signs of injury or aggression (possible rabid) then there is no need to call the Animal Control Department at 732-390-6960. We can only handle sick or injured wildlife within East Brunswick Township.
In suburban areas, turkeys not subject to hunting pressure may appear tame and may be more prone to inflict damage to golf courses, gardens, and lawns. Sometimes during the spring breeding season, turkeys in suburban areas are reported pecking at cars, and chasing or otherwise intimidating people. Large, shiny objects such as cars or windows may prompt aggressive behavior by males during the breeding season.
Reducing Wild Turkey Problems
Turkeys can be very persistent, and efforts to control them must be just as persistent. The good news is that, unlike other species such as deer or raccoon, turkeys are not active at night. This makes it easier to confirm the source of damage and to develop solutions to reduce problems.
Removal of Wild Turkeys
It is against state policy for Animal Control to remove or relocate any Wild Turkeys. Animal Control can only assist with sick or injured wildlife.
Black bears are the largest land mammal in New Jersey. They are an integral part of the state's natural heritage and a vital component of a healthy ecosystems.
Increasing Black Bear Population
Since the 1980s the Garden State's black bear population has been increasing and expanding its range both southward and eastward from the forested areas of northwestern New Jersey. Within the most densely populated state in the nation, black bears are thriving and there are now confirmed bear sightings in all 21 of New Jersey's counties.
Managing the Black Bear Population
Division of Fish and Wildlife personnel use an integrated approach to managing New Jersey's black bear population, fostering coexistence between people and bears.
Garbage
The most common bear problem New Jersey's residents experience is black bears getting into their garbage. Bears are attracted to neighborhoods by garbage odors, so properly securing your garbage is one of the best ways to prevent bears from becoming a nuisance in your community.
Residents are encouraged to work within their community to make sure all garbage is secured and kept away from bears and other wildlife.
For tips on proper garbage management and coexisting with bears, visit the New Jersey Fish and Wildlife website.