Protest Planned Saturday Against Deer And Coyote "Cull" In One Bergen County Town

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — One Bergen County borough plans to use bowhunters to decrease the population of deer and coyotes, but animal advocates are protesting.

They've planned a demonstration this Saturday and have amassed more than 450 signatures on a petition to stop the "cull."

The Borough Council of Saddle River voted to approve a contract with United Bowhunters — a state non-profit organization — at a meeting in August.

The resolution said the borough "has a concern as to the overall deer and coyote population and its effect on the health and safety of the residents of the Borough of Saddle River as well as those who travel through the Borough."

UBNJ, based in Spotswood, conducts deer and coyote "culls," or organized hunts, to thin populations in various areas.

In Saddle River, the cull program was temporarily suspended in 2023 to evaluate its impact, according to a story in the Record.

From 2022-2023, 50 deer were "culled," according to a detailed report from the town.

A website called Keep Saddle River Safe said a local group had recommended pausing the cull program back in 2020.

Other towns and counties have conducted culls, such as Essex County, but these programs often draw criticism from animal activists.

Seven years ago, a group of "aggressive" coyotes surrounded a dog walker in Saddle River, said news reports at the time.

The Protest

The seven-member mayor and council only needed to take one vote to approve a resolution. (The meeting information was here.)

The Animal Protection League of New Jersey is hosting the protest in front of the Saddle River Municipal Building.

It will be held Saturday, Sept. 28 rain or shine, from 1 p.m. to 2:15. The building is located at 100 East Allendale Road and 77 East Saddle River Road.

See the petition here.