Princeton Health Officials Create Wildlife Manual Following Beaver Incident

Princeton health officials have created written guidelines outlining how its animal control officer should handle encounters with different animal species.

The move comes following public outcry after Animal Control Officer Mark Johnson shot two beavers on May 13 that officials said were contributing to flooding at the Pettoranello Gardens section of Community Park North.

Beavers are a protected species in New Jersey and it’s illegal to shoot them. The state Division of Fish and Wildlife said Johnson didn’t get the necessary permit before he killed the beavers. A court case is pending in Ewing Township.

Johnson is still Princeton’s animal control officer. 

David Henry, health officer with the Princeton Regional Health Department, said the beaver incident offered “an opportunity” for his department to look at best practices and species-specific guidelines.

 “We have been working diligently throughout the summer on updating our wildlife management procedures and policies,” Henry told Princeton Township Committee on Monday night.

Holding a binder at least three inches thick, Henry said the guidelines were created using state and federal guidelines and endangered species lists. He said the information was compiled in cooperation with Johnson, other staff members and endorsed by the Princeton Health Commission.

Information in the binders covers the gamut of potential animal situations, from feral cats to snakes, Henry said. A copy of the binder will be available for public viewing at the health department shortly.

"We consider this a living document, so we will continually refine it," Henry said. 

The health department has also been putting information online, including resident surveys and instructions on how to file a bear report.  

Township officials thanked Henry and his department for their hard work.