Wildlife Center Friends, Inc.

09/14/2026

Myth: A buck rubbing its antlers against a tree is just sharpening them.

BUSTED!

By September, you may notice white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) bucks rubbing their antlers against trees and shrubs. While those antlers may look ready for action, the rubbing is not simply about “sharpening” them.

During spring and summer, growing antlers are covered in soft, blood-rich tissue called velvet. As antler growth finishes in late summer and early fall, that velvet dries and begins to shed. Bucks rub their antlers against trees and vegetation to help remove it. As fall progresses, rubbing can also play a role in scent marking and communication as breeding season approaches.

So, if you spot a freshly rubbed tree this September, there may be a buck nearby preparing for the season ahead!

09/11/2026

September 11th marked our lives in a way we will . Today, let us unite to honor and remember the lives we lost and the sacrifice of so many heroes that day.

📷: Bald eagle, Eric Sambol

09/10/2026

Many bats find that buildings make a warm, safe, stable place to roost and raise their pups during the summer. Attics, eaves and the narrow space behind fascia boards and shutters are some of their favorite nooks. They are creatures of habit, so once they find a spot that works for them, they will return year after year.

If you suspect that a bat colony has taken up residence in your home and have “no vacancy” for these nocturnal neighbors, Labor Day - October 15 are New Jersey’s “safe dates” to evict them. Exclusion is a bat-friendly process that allows bats to leave on their own but not re-enter the building. Learn more about bats in buildings and how to handle them at https://dep.nj.gov/njfw/wildlife/bats-in-buildings/?fbclid=IwAR0-qod_S1l2_ygITElngAiu4RH9ErbTtZ8lFDudmeAVxBte6sN0EBMXxdA.

📷: Big brown bat

09/07/2026

The “no white after Labor Day” rule does not apply to everyone. If you are this majestic great egret (Ardea alba), it is perfectly acceptable to wear white after Labor Day!

09/05/2026

Yesterday was National Wildlife Day! How many of these wild neighbors have you spotted?

Wildlife is all around us. In our backyards, neighborhoods, parks, forests, and waterways. From the squirrel gathering food for fall to the turtle crossing the road, each animal plays a role in the ecosystem we all share.

National Wildlife Day is a reminder that protecting wildlife does not always require a grand gesture. We can make a difference simply by learning to coexist with our wild neighbors: giving animals space, keeping natural habitats healthy, reducing hazards around our homes, never feeding or approaching wildlife, and lending a helping hand when it is truly needed.

Take a look at our wildlife lineup and tell us in the comments: How many have you seen recently? Which one would you be most excited to spot?

The more we understand the wildlife around us, the better neighbors we can be. Respect wildlife. Protect their home. Save Wild.

08/30/2026

As a coastal state, it is imperative that New Jerseyans keep our coastline healthy and safe for us and the wildlife with whom we share it. If you are celebrating at the shore today, here are some ways you can help keep our beaches clean:

🌊Collect and dispose of all your trash before leaving the beach
🌊Volunteer at or plan a beach clean-up
🌊Opt for reusable bottles and utensils instead of plastics

08/26/2026

As you head outside to enjoy the last month of summer, remember to help us keep wildlife wild by keeping a safe distance from animals and their young. Here are the most important reasons why:

Stress: Wild animals view people and domestic animals as predators and fear being around their sights, sounds, and smells. This stress can cause serious health problems or death.

Diet: Wild animals have specialized dietary needs that are not easily met. Without a specific diet, they are at high risk of severe nutritional deficiencies.

Habituation: Wild animals must learn normal social behaviors from their own species. Wild animals that learn non-normal behaviors from humans or domestic animals will likely not survive if released.

Disease: Wild animals carry many diseases and parasites, including some that can be harmful to domestic animals and humans.

It is illegal: Most wild animals are protected under New Jersey and or federal law and cannot be taken from the wild or possessed without a permit.

📷: Mallard hatchlings

08/24/2026

Bats have been plagued by centuries of superstitions, but they are, actually, one of nature’s more gentle creatures. This , enjoy some fun facts about our nocturnal neighbors!

08/22/2026

If you have ever had a tiny bee (maybe metallic green) land on your arm while you were outside on a hot August day, you probably met a sweat bee!

Despite their unusual name, sweat bees are not interested in stinging you. They are after the salt and minerals found in perspiration. During New Jersey's hot summer days, your skin can be an easy source of these nutrients. Once they have had their tiny "salty snack," they usually fly away.

Sweat bees are among our smallest native pollinators and play an important role in helping wildflowers, gardens, and crops thrive. Most species are gentle and would rather forage than defend themselves.

The next time a tiny bee lands on you, stay calm—you are not under attack. You are simply helping one of nature's smallest pollinators refuel! 🐝

08/20/2026

The bugs are back in town!

The mosquito is often referred to as “the State Bird of New Jersey.” While this sentiment could not be further from the truth, we know that these pesky little critters thrive and cause havoc in the warmer months. But believe it or not, mosquitos have a purpose, like serving as the primary food source for other wildlife. Learn more at https://blog.nwf.org/.../what-purpose-do-mosquitoes-serve/.

However, our safety is just as important. Here are some tips to help you fight the bite:

🪟 Repair any broken doors and window screens

💧 Drain standing pools of water around the yard

❌ Use insect repellent containing EPA-registered ingredients

👖Wear long-sleeves and pants at night

🦟 Avoid mosquito hotspots like shady or overgrown areas or places where the ground remains wet

Believe it or not, mosquitoes are pollinators. In fact, mosquitoes’ primary food source is flower nectar. What purpose do mosquitoes actually serve?