Officials seek public’s help after raccoon left in metal trap amid summer heat in Sussex County
FREDON TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Sussex County) — Newton Animal Control is seeking the public’s assistance after a raccoon was discovered abandoned in a metal trap without water during hot weather conditions at the Muckshaw Pond Preserve in Fredon Township.
The animal was found around 5 p.m. on July 15 near a trailhead off the parking lot along Fredon Springdale Road. Temperatures in the area were close to 90 degrees at the time of discovery.
Officials say the raccoon had been left inside the trap without any provisions, prompting an active investigation into the incident. Authorities are working to determine who may have placed or left the trap and are urging anyone with information to come forward.
“We are currently investigating this matter and urge anyone with information about who may have been responsible for dumping the raccoon to come forward,” the department said in a public statement.
Abandoning a trapped animal is illegal under New Jersey law. Animal control officials emphasized that proper, humane channels are available for wildlife concerns or removal.
Anyone with relevant information is asked to call 973-383-2525 or email animalcontrol@newtonpolice.org. Even minor details may assist in the investigation.
