Wildlife Control

The Township of East Brunswick is unable to provide services for healthy residential wildlife control. The capture of nuisance wildlife (i.e., healthy appearing raccoons not threatening humans, fox dens, wildlife in attics, groundhogs burrowing in yards, etc.) is NOT a service required for Animal Control to provide. These problems can best be solved by contacting a private residential wildlife control company.

Many people encounter what appear to be sick, injured, or orphaned wildlife. The New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife urges New Jersey residents to leave young wildlife undisturbed. Every year, especially during the spring and early summer, the lives of many young animals are disrupted. Well-intentioned people may attempt to 'save' these animals, and more often than not, the mother is nearby. For information on Animal Rescue, please read the article "How to Know When an Animal Needs to be Rescued."

Animal Control will only respond to sick or injured wildlife posing a public safety or health threat. If the wildlife is passing through or is located under your shed or porch without showing signs of injury, illness, or aggression, there is no need to call Animal Control.

If an animal is acting unusual, appears to be sick/injured, or is threatening you, please contact Animal Control immediately at 732-390-6960. If it is an emergency, contact the East Brunswick Police Department by dialing 9-1-1.

All West Nile Virus, Bird Flu, or Lyme Disease concerns should be directed to the Health Department of Middlesex County at 732-745-3100.

New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife

The Division of Fish and Wildlife is responsible for all wildlife in New Jersey. Management of both game and non-game species includes the common goals of protecting and managing habitats and wildlife populations and maintaining wildlife diversity.

Call the 24/7 toll-free DEP Action Line (877-WARN-DEP / 877-927-6337) to report fish kills, wildlife disease or toxicity events, bear property damage or problems, environmental complaints, violations, spills, discharges, venomous snakes, and emergencies.

For additional wildlife resources, visit the New Jersey Fish and Wildlife webpage

  1. Feral Cats
  2. Fox
  3. Coyotes
  4. Wild Turkeys
  5. Black Bears

Stray and free-roaming cats are a part of the everyday landscape in cities and towns nationwide. Some of the cats you see strolling about are owned pets. Others are strays that may have been left behind by an owner that moved or are lost pets. When these stray or lost pets reproduce their offspring may grow into adulthood, never having had human contact. These undomesticated offspring may act completely feral. Use care when approaching what appears to be a feral cat. Even a domesticated cat when cornered and reacting out of fear, may bite and scratch.

In New Jersey, cats are the third highest species of animal to encounter rabies. This is largely due to the number of stray unvaccinated cats that are found throughout New Jersey. 

Feeding Stray Cats

Many people feed stray and free-roaming cats that they encounter in their neighborhood, in their yards, or at their workplaces. Often a strong bond is created between the feeder and the cat or group of cats. If this is the case, there are two very important issues that must be addressed:

  1. Are the cats creating a nuisance in the neighborhood or area?
  2. Has the feeder spayed or neutered those stray cats that are being fed?

These two elements are often intertwined. A few unaltered cats will reproduce at an alarming rate and then become a nuisance. For this reason, we strongly recommend not feeding stray cats. Please, don’t let the cats multiply and become a nuisance.