NOTICE: Reports of Sick Wildlife, Avoid Wildlife Encounters

Release Date: August 7, 2025

PRESS RELEASE

There have been recent reports of sick wildlife reported to Watchung Borough Officials. If you see an animal that appears sick, is acting strange, or showing unusual behavior do not approach it and contact your local police department immediately.

Warm blooded animals such as foxes, raccoons, and other wildlife can carry and transmit rabies. Rabies is a serious and potentially fatal disease that is almost 100% preventable. Residents are reminded to prevent encounters with wildlife:

• Keep a safe distance.
  • Do not approach or attempt to interact with wild animals.
  • Do not feed wild animals.
  • Stay on trails at parks and follow visitor guidelines.
• Keep your pets safe.
  • Make sure your pet’s rabies vaccine is up to date.
  •  Always keep pets on leashes in public spaces.
  • Prevent your pets from interacting with wild animals.

The Middle-Brook Regional Health Commission, serving Bridgewater, Green Brook, Warren, and Watchung, is available to assist you with any incidents. Please contact us at 908-753-8000 (Warren), 732-968-5151 (Commission), or (908) 725-6300 (Bridgewater). You can also contact us by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with any questions or concerns. If an incident occurs after normal hours, please contact your local police department.

For more information, visit: cdc.gov/rabies and cdc.gov/healthy-pets/about/wildlife.html.

To download a PDF version of this press release, please click here.