Bergen County Animal Control

06/03/2026

From the Last Resort

Well say it AGAIN and AGAIN
FOR those in the Back!

🚨 PLEASE STOP "RESCUING" FAWNS 🚨

We know your heart is in the right place.

Every spring, kind and caring people come across a tiny fawn lying quietly alone in the grass and assume it's been abandoned. The urge to help is completely understandable.

But the truth is...

That fawn is almost certainly exactly where it's supposed to be.

Mother deer intentionally leave their babies hidden for long periods while they feed nearby. The fawn's job is to stay still, stay quiet, and wait. Mom's job is to stay away until it's safe to return.

Unfortunately, we see the heartbreaking consequences of unnecessary "rescues" every year.

Healthy fawns are taken from the wild and brought to rehabilitators dehydrated, stressed, malnourished, injured from improper handling, or suffering from aspiration after being fed the wrong things. Some don't survive the stress alone. Others lose the chance to be raised by the one creature best equipped to care for them—their mother.

If a fawn is curled up quietly, appears alert, and has no obvious injuries, please leave it alone.

Do not touch it.
Do not feed it.
Do not move it.
Do not pose for photos with it.

The greatest act of kindness is often doing nothing at all.

However, if the fawn is continuously crying for hours, wandering aimlessly, covered in flies, visibly injured, weak, or has ears that are curled and dehydrated, then it's time to contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator immediately.

Please help us spread the word. Share this post. Talk to your friends and neighbors.

Every fawn that stays with its mother has the best possible chance at life.

Sometimes the best rescue... is no rescue at all. 🦌❤️

06/02/2026

Glue traps cause slow inhumane deaths! They also catch non-targeted animals such as birds and reptiles.
Yesterday a Northern Water Snake was caught on a glue trap.
Bergen County Animal Control responded and brought the animal back to their headquarters where Officers Lyons and Scotti were able to free the snake. The snake was subsequently released back where it was found.

05/22/2026

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=122176194338918467&id=61577554018161

05/19/2026

It is the time of year when deer give birth.
Does usually have 1 or 2 fawns, sometimes 3.
At birth fawns have no scent which helps protect them from predators.
The mother or doe will leave the fawn where she feels it will be safe and will only return a couple of times each day to nurse it. She may move the fawn a short distance every couple of days.
She will leave the fawn until it is strong enough to keep up with her.

The fawn should be left alone unless:

*It is laying down on its side with legs out.
*It is running around screaming for over an hour.
*It has been attacked or is injured.
*There are flies around it.
*Its mother is dead.

If you have concerns contact you contracted Animal Control Service.
Bergen County Animal Control can be reached 24/7 at 201-229-4616

04/26/2026

There are several species of turtles that are native to New Jersey.
Spring is when turtles emerge from hibernation and lay their eggs
If you come across a turtle crossing a road, ALWAYS move it or allow it to move in the direction it is traveling! Do not turn them around or reroute them.
Turtles cross at the same spot every year to lay eggs.
NEVER relocate them!
Handle them carefully and never pick them up by the tail.
ALWAYS be safe!

04/21/2026

This time of year is when rabbits have their offspring.
If you encounter a nest of bunnies, it is crucial to leave it alone and not disturb it.
Rabbit mothers usually only visit their nests to nurse at limited times, specifically around dawn and dusk.
In the event of discovering an injured baby rabbit, it is recommended to provide a safe and warm environment without offering any food or drink.
It is advisable to reach out to local Animal Control or a licensed rehabilitation center for expert guidance.
Bergen County Animal Control is available 24/7 to educate and respond if necessary. They can be reached at 201-229-4616

04/16/2026

Unsure who wrote this but it is the truth!
Thank you to all Animal Control Officers doing the job every day.

04/12/2026

This week celebrates Animal Control Officers. Bergen County has some of the most dedicated ACO’s.
Thank you to all Animal Control Officers that work hard everyday dealing with both domestic animals and wildlife!