Animal Tales In Essex County: 2019 Year In Review

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — There was plenty of animal-related news that happened in Essex County during 2019. And it involved creatures with two, four and no legs.

Catch up on some of the year’s top stories involving dogs, cats, cheetahs, bats, ants, bears, snakes, foxes and rats (click headline to read article).

Cheetahs At Turtle Back Zoo In NJ Are Thriving, Staff Say

A cheetah at the zoo has formed a loving bond with a dog. Another has forged a lasting relationship with his trainer.

Ants Invade Flight To Newark; Passenger Tweets Play-By-Play

The ants went marching one by one … on the pillows, in the overhead lockers and just about everywhere in the cabin, a passenger said.

Bear Sighting Prompts Indoor Recess In South Orange-Maplewood

A email sent to parents said the bear was spotted near South Orange schools.

Bloomfield Continues Ratrace: 'Rodent Control' Efforts Underway

Burrows? Nests? Droppings? Teeth marks? Here's what to do about those furry intruders, Bloomfield health officials say.

Family Surrenders Emotional Support Dog To Bloomfield Shelter

Athena the beagle once provided emotional support to her family. Now she needs some support of her own, the Bloomfield Animal Shelter says.

Fox That Attacked 5 In Essex County Had Rabies, Authorities Say

A red fox attacked several people and a cop in Essex County. It tested positive for rabies, authorities said.

Montclair Shelter Offers Free Barn Cats As Euthanasia Alternative

The Montclair Animal Shelter's Barn Cat program is a "humane, practical alternative to euthanasia" for community cats, staff say.

Bear Spotted In West Caldwell, Last Seen Entering Woods

A bear was spotted wandering in West Caldwell, police said.

Animal Hitchhiker Makes Passengers 'Batty' On Flight To NJ: Watch

"I can't believe there was a bat on a Spirit flight," Stephen Colbert joked after hearing of the intruder. "I've only seen raccoons."

Venomous Copperhead Snake Captured In Parking Lot

When residents came across a venomous copperhead snake, they did the right thing… they left it alone.

Dogs In East Orange Still Smiling Despite Long Shelter Stays

Some pups at the East Orange Animal Shelter have been living there for more than a year, but haven't lost their smiles, volunteers say.

Animal Welfare Group Sets Up Shop In Maplewood

NJ STRAYS opens a pet food pantry, meeting spot on Millburn Avenue.

Stella The Bulldog Touches Hearts: Montclair 'Clear The Shelters'

The Montclair Township Animal Shelter found homes for 10 cats and 13 dogs during the annual "Clear the Shelters" event.

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