Woodlands Wildlife Refuge

10/29/2026

You're Invited! Woodlands' 40th Anniversary Celebration. Space is limited and we're selling out. RSVP online at woodlandswildlife.org/40th or by calling us at 908-730-8300. RSVP is required by Nov 6th.

For four decades, Woodlands Wildlife Refuge has been a place of hope and healing for New Jersey’s orphaned and injured wildlife. This year, we are proud to celebrate 40 remarkable years of compassion, care, and commitment to wildlife and our community. Please join us as we commemorate this extraordinary milestone at Woodlands’ 40th Anniversary Celebration, a special afternoon reception on Sunday, November 15, 2026, from 2:00–6:00 p.m. at Cree W**e Company, the historic 1813 Perryville Inn, in Hampton, New Jersey.

Limited sponsorship opportunities still available and due by Friday Oct 30th.

10/28/2026

Hello Everyone,
It is with great sadness that we tell you of Buddy raccoon’s passing. ❤️‍🩹

While we are sad about his loss, He lived a long life, he went quickly, on his own terms, and now runs free as a wild spirit!

When Buddy first arrived back in 2012, he was brought by animal control thinking he was diseased because he was approaching people out in public near a mall! He was already an adult at that time, we estimated him to be around 2 years old.
After weeks of assessments and quarantine, we knew this was a healthy, but habituated raccoon. He had no fear of people. We truly believe someone was keeping him as a pet. He just wanted to be everyone's Buddy!

He earned his name, and his place here at Woodlands.

We applied for the proper permits to include him with our permanent resident Education Ambassadors.

Buddy had a great, easy life here at Woodlands for over 14 years!

As his general health began to decline with age, we were honored to have him under the best veterinary care, through the last few years. And yet, every day he made his way out of his den box and down to eat, drink, and relieve himself for all his caregivers to clean 🦝 He even made his final Community Day appearance this year ❤️

We thank all of you for caring about Buddy over all of these years.
Rest now Buddy, You are missed.

10/28/2026

We still need MORE ACORNS (or other native nuts or peanuts) please! Please share. Thanks!

Acorns for Animals!
It's that time of year again! We Need Acorns at Woodlands Wildlife Refuge!

We have bear, raccoon, squirrel and other animals that need nuts in their diet and for enrichment! Any native nuts except black walnuts, or if purchasing nuts then unsalted peanuts in the shell. Please visit your local trees and collect all the fallen acorns and local nuts. Please deliver nuts clean of debris and dry, preferably in a paper bag or cardboard box.

Please drop off any day between 10am and 5pm at our education center. Thank you!

10/18/2026

Bears will be bears - enjoying a sunny morning!

We have really starting winding down lately. We appreciate it! The second round of squirrels and some opossums have been released. However, we did get in some younger squirrels in the last week that may need to stay the whole winter. And we have a record number of turtles staying this winter - nearly 70! Send wishlist items! 😊

10/15/2026

This week's critter-cal needs ask is for peanuts, 3ml syringes, pull down paper towels, and reptile light fixtures.

A variety of turtles will be staying the winter recovering in rehabilitation and we need additional Zilla Reptile T8 Slimline Desert Lights, as well as more nuts for bears, squirrels, raccoons, and more!

Items can be seen and purchased on our Amazon Wishlist at: https://a.co/08bOE7TM or purchased elsewhere and dropped off any day between 10am and 5pm at our Education Center. Please let us know if you can help in the comments! Thank you!

10/15/2026

Second Bear Cam is Online!

It’s Wildlife Watch!

Watch now: Wildlife Watch Live https://woodlandswildlife.org/wildlifewatch/
Donate to support: https://woodlandswildlife.org/

You have got to see this! A glimpse into the process of native wildlife in rehabilitation. Our streams currently feature two species on live cameras:

- Indoor Camera - Eastern gray squirrels
- Outdoor Cameras - North and South end views of our American black bear enclosure

By tuning in, you’re not just watching—you’re witnessing the impact of wildlife rehabilitation in action. Your support helps provide the care, food, and medical treatment these animals need to thrive.

Our wildlife cameras are rolling, capturing incredible moments of these amazing animals as they recover and prepare for release back into the wild.

10/12/2026

CHECK YOUR PLANTS FOR FROGS!

Do you put your houseplants outside in the summer?
Tree frogs love to hang out on them! Each winter, we receive calls about these little visitors when they are accidentally brought indoors with a houseplant!

Tip: Before bringing your plants back inside for the winter, be sure to check for frogs hiding among the leaves!

The next few days have temperatures in the 70’s in our area, so if you find a frog now, you can still put it back outside before it gets too cold!

10/12/2026

**Glue Traps Harm Wildlife**

Sticky traps don’t discriminate - they can trap any animal that comes into contact with them. We’ve treated flying squirrels, bats, snakes, mice, and even a woodchuck with multiple traps stuck to its body.

Please reconsider using glue traps and choose safer, humane alternatives instead. You can find wildlife-friendly deterrent methods on our website.

10/12/2026

Turtles are still crossing!

Yes, even in October! With temperatures in our area expected to reach the 70s over the next few days, turtles may continue crossing roads, and you may even encounter tiny hatchlings.

These hatchlings are completely independent and able to survive on their own. They do not need intervention unless they are injured. You can help a turtle safely off the road *in the direction it is already heading*, but never relocate it or bring it indoors. Turtles are on an important journey to places they know.

Turtles cross roads in the spring to reach nesting and breeding sites. They may cross again in late summer and early fall as they travel toward their hibernation areas. Eggs laid in spring often hatch in late summer or early fall.

If a turtle is bleeding, injured, has swollen eyes, or shows any other concerning signs, contact your local wildlife rehabilitator.