New Jersey is at it again, and this time it’s bird feeders. That’s right—the state that’s already banned plastic straws, plastic bags, and even plans to phase out gas-powered cars is now setting its sights on our feathery friends. And before you clutch your birdseed in panic, let’s break down what’s happening here.
The latest drama unfolds around Assembly Bill No. 360, a bill designed to curb black bear interactions by cracking down on summer bird feeders. The logic? Bears find them irresistible, and once they roll up to a buffet of sunflower seeds, it’s game over for peaceful coexistence. So, New Jersey lawmakers want to make it illegal to leave feeders out from April to November unless you follow some strict rules.
But wait—it gets better. Even when bird feeders are allowed, they’ll need to be hauled indoors at night, and any uneaten food? Gone. Or else. Violators could face civil penalties, with fines going directly to local communities, because apparently, nothing says “bear control” like funding your town’s pothole repairs with birdseed fines.
Let’s be real: New Jersey’s been on a banning bender lately. First, they axed plastic straws, forcing everyone to sip their iced coffees through soggy paper tubes. Then it was single-use plastic bags, leaving us juggling armfuls of groceries in parking lots. And let’s not forget their ambitious goal to go electric-only on car sales by 2035.
So, what’s next? A ban on porch lights because they attract moths? A curfew on backyard grilling to stop raccoons from joining the cookout? It’s starting to feel like New Jersey’s motto should be “You’ll Live, But You Won’t Have Fun.”
While this move does come from a valid concern—New Jersey’s black bear population is on the rise—critics argue it’s another example of overregulation. Not to mention, many bird lovers worry about the ripple effect on local ecosystems. Birds rely on feeders for sustenance, especially during migration seasons.
New Jerseyans have been known to rally against these measures with a mix of eye-rolling and creative defiance (remember the reusable bag rebellion?). Whether this bill flies or gets grounded, one thing’s for sure: the Garden State’s knack for making headlines with bans is alive and well.
So, what do you think? Is New Jersey being a responsible neighbor to bears, or is this another chapter in the state’s Ban Everything saga? Let the chirping commence.