North Bergen Issues Safety Warning Following Numerous Raccoon Bites

The Township of North Bergen has issued a wildlife safety warning to local residents following six recent incidents of aggressive raccoons biting people.  The incidents took place over the past several weeks.  As a precaution, officials are urging residents to exercise extreme caution and avoid all wildlife at this time.

In a statement, North Bergen Health Director Robert Morano said, “While North Bergen is home to various forms of wildlife, these recent attacks are concerning.  We want to ensure that all residents remain safe and stay clear of local wildlife to prevent any further incidents.”

To minimize the risk of encounters with wildlife, Morano says Most importantly, residents are advised to:

• Avoid approaching or attempting to feed any wild animals.

• Secure trash bins and avoid leaving food outside.

• Keep pets on a leash and supervise them outdoors.

• Seal any potential entry points to homes, such as open crawl spaces or gaps in fences.

Most importantly, Morano adds that residents should be especially wary of any animal that appears to be sick, injured, or acting aggressively.  If you witness any wildlife displaying unusual behavior, or if you or someone else experiences an aggressive encounter, please contact the North Bergen Health Department at (201) 392-2084. If you need assistance after hours, please notify the North Bergen Police Department by calling (201) 392-2100.

Township officials are actively working with animal control and local health personnel to address the situation and ensure the safety of all residents.