This bill amends the existing law regarding the feeding of black bears in New Jersey. It clarifies that the prohibition on feeding black bears applies to all food and includes the placement of food, eliminating the previous exemption for "unintentional feeding." The bill introduces a specific list of activities that are not considered feeding black bears, which includes licensed wildlife possession, agricultural activities, certain birdfeeder conditions, food placement at licensed shelters, feeding companion animals, and actions by authorities for wildlife management or scientific purposes.

Additionally, the bill modifies the handling of civil penalties for violations of the feeding prohibition. Instead of penalties being directed to the Division of Fish and Wildlife, they will now be remitted to the municipality where the violation occurred. The bill also establishes that a civil penalty of up to $1,000 may be imposed for each offense, with the stipulation that a prior written warning must be issued before a penalty is assessed. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 23:2A-14