INJURED OR ABANDONED ANIMALS
DO NOT leave animals on the front porch of our Nature Center. The results could be fatal.
Although the Closter Nature Center is fully licensed to take care of our animal ambassadors, we are not a licensed wildlife rehab center. We will not take in any injured or at risk animals.
For injured, sick, or at risk wildlife, please call the Bergen County Animal Control dispatch at (201)229-4616. This is a 24/7 dispatch provided by the County that will send out trained control officers to take custody of the animal and transport them to the appropriate care facility. This is a completely free service.
NOTE: Bergen County Animal Control will not respond to nuisance animals (i.e. an animal in a building or yard). They will only respond to injured, sick, or at-risk animals. Animal Control is separate from the Bergen County Animal Shelter, which deals with surrendered/adoptable domestic animals and pets.
For more information on dealing with wildlife issues, please visit New Jersey Fish & Wildlife.
Other wildlife resources in The Raptor Trust and Franklin Lakes Animal Hospital.
LEAVE WILDLIFE WILD
If an animal is clearly injured or orphaned, call the Bergen County Animal Control dispatch at (201)229-4616. These trained officials can safely care for the animal and return it to the wild, where it belongs.
Look, but don’t touch. Protect wildlife, and let them thrive naturally.
During spring and summer, you may spot newborn fawns, birds, or other young wildlife alone. Don’t assume they’re abandoned—most are simply left by their parents for safety. Interfering can do more harm than good.
Wild animals are not pets. Taking them from the wild is illegal, dangerous, and stressful for the animal. Healthy young wildlife are best left to grow and survive in their natural environment.