The State We're In

Aug 1, 2025

By Alison Mitchell, Executive Director, New Jersey Conservation Foundation

Summer in New Jersey is a magical time: young birds take their first flight, flowers bloom in profusion, and fireflies light up the evening after long days. It’s a time when we’re outside more, and many of us like to include our pets. They’re like family, after all!

But we need to keep our wilder neighbors in mind, meaning the many fascinating creatures that share our natural world. The truth is, when pets and wildlife cross paths, it can end poorly.

Drinks on the “catio,” anyone?

Free-roaming cats, even well-fed ones, are skilled predators responsible for killing billions – that’s with a “b” – of birds and small mammals each year. A fledgling baby bird near your home doesn’t stand a chance against even a mildly interested cat. Sometimes we’re not even aware of the impacts our pets have on other animals, like when migratory shorebirds expend valuable energy because a playful off-leash pup causes them to take flight! That dog might be having fun, but the birds are burning calories they can’t afford to lose. That’s why so many beach rules include restrictions on dogs year-round or during migration or breeding seasons.

Animals who make nests on the ground, like ducks, rabbits, and groundhogs, are particularly vulnerable to wayward pets. Consider keeping cats indoors or invest in a secure “catio” or leash-harness setup for safe outdoor time.

Nature bites back

Paying more attention to your pets outdoors also protects them from harm. In this state we’re in, we’re lucky to have a nice variety of mammals and birds, including an increasing number of foxes – and even bears and coyotes – especially in summer. A curious Fido nosing too close to a raccoon den or barking at a skunk might end up on the wrong side of a painful (and expensive) encounter. Birds of prey like hawks and owls don’t distinguish between wild prey and small pets, especially kittens or small dogs. They’re just looking for food to survive! When trouble happens, nobody wins – not the wild animal, not the pet, and not the owner stuck with a vet bill or hard decision. Not to mention, wild animals can transmit rabies and distemper. It’s best for all parties to keep pets nearby and leashed when they’re exploring outdoors, especially at dawn and dusk when wildlife is most active. Leash rules in parks and natural areas exist for good reason, protecting both wildlife and pets, so follow them even when the trail or park seems quiet.

Don’t invite trouble

If your pet has ever had an encounter with a wild animal, then you know how unsettling it can be. Our pets’ wild instincts kick in and they become harder to control, and wild animals will do what they have to do to defend themselves. We can easily forget that our backyards are wild spaces, and we may create the perfect storm for unwanted encounters without realizing it. Trash cans left uncovered, food remnants on the grill, pet food languishing outside, or spilled birdseed can attract wildlife right to your doorstep. Once wild animals associate humans with food, they lose their instinctual caution. That invites more interactions that can spell trouble all around, and result in wildlife being deemed a “nuisance.” Pet owners fortunate enough to live in bear country have extra responsibilities! Read these helpful tips at https://dep.nj.gov/njfw/bears/pet-owners/.

Our backyards and neighborhoods are part of a larger ecosystem, and with just a few thoughtful steps and precautions, we can protect all of the creatures who share our world. Wild animals are our neighbors, and they’re part of what makes New Jersey so special. Let’s give them the space they need.

To learn more about how you can help preserve New Jersey’s natural resources, visit the New Jersey Conservation Foundation at www.njconservation.org or reach out to us at info@njconservation.org.