Wildlife Center Friends, Inc.

09/05/2026

Yesterday was National Wildlife Day! How many of these wild neighbors have you spotted?

Wildlife is all around us. In our backyards, neighborhoods, parks, forests, and waterways. From the squirrel gathering food for fall to the turtle crossing the road, each animal plays a role in the ecosystem we all share.

National Wildlife Day is a reminder that protecting wildlife does not always require a grand gesture. We can make a difference simply by learning to coexist with our wild neighbors: giving animals space, keeping natural habitats healthy, reducing hazards around our homes, never feeding or approaching wildlife, and lending a helping hand when it is truly needed.

Take a look at our wildlife lineup and tell us in the comments: How many have you seen recently? Which one would you be most excited to spot?

The more we understand the wildlife around us, the better neighbors we can be. Respect wildlife. Protect their home. Save Wild.

08/30/2026

As a coastal state, it is imperative that New Jerseyans keep our coastline healthy and safe for us and the wildlife with whom we share it. If you are celebrating at the shore today, here are some ways you can help keep our beaches clean:

🌊Collect and dispose of all your trash before leaving the beach
🌊Volunteer at or plan a beach clean-up
🌊Opt for reusable bottles and utensils instead of plastics

08/26/2026

As you head outside to enjoy the last month of summer, remember to help us keep wildlife wild by keeping a safe distance from animals and their young. Here are the most important reasons why:

Stress: Wild animals view people and domestic animals as predators and fear being around their sights, sounds, and smells. This stress can cause serious health problems or death.

Diet: Wild animals have specialized dietary needs that are not easily met. Without a specific diet, they are at high risk of severe nutritional deficiencies.

Habituation: Wild animals must learn normal social behaviors from their own species. Wild animals that learn non-normal behaviors from humans or domestic animals will likely not survive if released.

Disease: Wild animals carry many diseases and parasites, including some that can be harmful to domestic animals and humans.

It is illegal: Most wild animals are protected under New Jersey and or federal law and cannot be taken from the wild or possessed without a permit.

📷: Mallard hatchlings

08/24/2026

Bats have been plagued by centuries of superstitions, but they are, actually, one of nature’s more gentle creatures. This , enjoy some fun facts about our nocturnal neighbors!

08/22/2026

If you have ever had a tiny bee (maybe metallic green) land on your arm while you were outside on a hot August day, you probably met a sweat bee!

Despite their unusual name, sweat bees are not interested in stinging you. They are after the salt and minerals found in perspiration. During New Jersey's hot summer days, your skin can be an easy source of these nutrients. Once they have had their tiny "salty snack," they usually fly away.

Sweat bees are among our smallest native pollinators and play an important role in helping wildflowers, gardens, and crops thrive. Most species are gentle and would rather forage than defend themselves.

The next time a tiny bee lands on you, stay calm—you are not under attack. You are simply helping one of nature's smallest pollinators refuel! 🐝

08/20/2026

The bugs are back in town!

The mosquito is often referred to as “the State Bird of New Jersey.” While this sentiment could not be further from the truth, we know that these pesky little critters thrive and cause havoc in the warmer months. But believe it or not, mosquitos have a purpose, like serving as the primary food source for other wildlife. Learn more at https://blog.nwf.org/.../what-purpose-do-mosquitoes-serve/.

However, our safety is just as important. Here are some tips to help you fight the bite:

🪟 Repair any broken doors and window screens

💧 Drain standing pools of water around the yard

❌ Use insect repellent containing EPA-registered ingredients

👖Wear long-sleeves and pants at night

🦟 Avoid mosquito hotspots like shady or overgrown areas or places where the ground remains wet

Believe it or not, mosquitoes are pollinators. In fact, mosquitoes’ primary food source is flower nectar. What purpose do mosquitoes actually serve?

08/17/2026

It is National Nonprofit Day! The critical work we do to save wild requires skilled and dedicated staff, as well as the goodwill and support of many caring people. We are so proud of what you have helped us build here. Whether you volunteer, intern, donate, or help spread the word, the staff and animals of MCWC appreciate your continued generosity and support! https://www.wildlifecenterfriends.org/donate

📷: Ruby-throated hummingbird nestlings

08/14/2026

Like humans, bees need water on hot summer days to drink and cool off. They also use water sources to nourish larvae, dilute honey, and cool down their hive. Unfortunately, when they make pit stops at birdbaths or forest streams, they risk drowning or encountering larger animals looking for a snack. An easy solution to help our busy bees is creating a watering station. Here are some simple ideas to make your backyard a bee haven:

1. Shallow dish with marbles or pebbles: Fill a shallow container like a plate, frisbee, or casserole dish with water and glass pebbles or marbles. The water line should be below the rocks so bees can land. You can also add colorful marbles to make it more attractive to bees.

2. Bird bath with stones: Add stones to an existing bird bath to provide more landing areas for bees.

3. Self-filling pet bowl: Put rocks in a small gravity-fed pet bowl, which can hold almost a gallon of water and doesn't need to be refilled as often.

4. Fill a hummingbird feeder with water: A hummingbird feeder is an excellent option when it comes to your watering station. Most stores typically charge less than $20 for a hummingbird feeder, and you can hang them almost anywhere. Simply fill it with water rather than sugar syrup and wait for the bees to buzz in for a refreshing sip of water.

08/11/2026

🐢TURTLE RESCUE UPDATE | AUGUST 11 🐢

As of today, the Mercer County Wildlife Center has received 194 turtles from the recent dumping in Cranford. We are expecting an additional six turtles to arrive this week.

70 turtles have been transferred to Nautilus Veterinary Specialists, where they are receiving care and temporary housing while a more permanent plan is developed. These include some of the more seriously ill turtles, as well as non-native turtles requiring specialized care.

The 124 turtles remaining at the Mercer County Wildlife Center are doing well. They are eating nutritious food, acclimating to their new surroundings, and receiving ongoing care from our rehabilitation team.

Today, New Jersey Fish & Wildlife, along with veterinarians and veterinary technicians from the Philadelphia Zoo and the Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine at Rowan University, is at the Wildlife Center collecting swabs and blood samples for disease and genetic testing. The results will help determine appropriate long-term care and, when possible, release plans for these animals.

The most helpful way to support this effort is with a monetary donation, which allows us to purchase exactly what is needed as their care continues.

💚 Donate: https://www.wildlifecenterfriends.org/donate

If you would prefer to help by purchasing a gift card for worms, you can do so through Uncle Jim's Worm Farm. Gift cards can be emailed directly to [email protected]:

https://unclejimswormfarm.com/product/gift-cards/gift-certificate/

Donated resources and supplies will also be shared with Nautilus Veterinary Specialists to help support the care of the turtles in their facility.

Thank you for your incredible support of these turtles. We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available. 💚🐢

08/11/2026

New Jersey’s butterflies are not only essential pollinators and a vital food source for some wildlife, but they are also some of the most enchanting creatures of the summer! At the peak of butterfly diversity in NJ, check out what species are flying around our area now: https://www.njbutterflies.org/flying/07-flying-jul.html

📷: Eastern tiger swallowtail