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Ridgewood debate on wildlife‑feeding rules centers on deer, rats and elder residents’ concerns
Summary
Residents and council members debated a proposed ordinance restricting wildlife feeding in private yards. Officials said the measure aims to reduce deer‑related nuisance and tick exposure; opponents said restrictions would harm wildlife and burden older residents who feed birds.
A proposed Ridgewood ordinance restricting wildlife feeding in private yards drew extended public comment and council discussion at the April 23 meeting.
Dolores Carpenter, who identified herself as an 86‑year‑old Ridgewood resident, urged the council to reconsider strict limits. She said removing long‑standing backyard bird feeders would cause "extreme hardship, physical harm, and eventually mortality" for urban wildlife and noted practical difficulties for seniors who refill feeders. "I would have to climb on a ladder to put this bird seed in the bird feeder every day," Carpenter said.
Village officials described the ordinance as a…
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