Pets

Hornets, Doggos, Micro-Critters: 10 Animal Tales In Essex County

Shake a paw, Essex County. Here are our top animal news stories of 2020.

A rehabilitated turtle with Sea Turtle Recovery, based at the Turtle Back Zoo in Essex County, takes a dip in the ocean.
A rehabilitated turtle with Sea Turtle Recovery, based at the Turtle Back Zoo in Essex County, takes a dip in the ocean. (Photo: Sea Turtle Recovery)

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — From giant hornets to sea turtles to endangered leopard cubs, Essex County has seen its share of animal tales in 2020.

Catch up with 10 of our most shareworthy stories that happened this year (click headlines to read).

Don't Panic About 'Murder Hornet' Invasion, Rutgers Expert Says

Find out what's happening in Livingstonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Giant, killer hornets invading the United States? Fuggetaboutit, a New Jersey entomology expert says.

Inspirational Newark Teen Saves Dogs' Lives With Bow Ties

Find out what's happening in Livingstonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

After being diagnosed with developmental delays, Darius Brown began making bow ties to develop his motor skills. Here's what happened next.

Caring For Cats Amid A Coronavirus Crisis: TNVR In Essex County

The time for action is "meow," these New Jersey animal advocates say.

Endangered Leopard Cub Brings Ray Of Sunshine To Turtle Back Zoo

The zoo is closed to visitors due to COVID-19. But life goes on for the animals, including its newest resident, Nadya the Amur leopard.

Essex County Turtle Rescue Sees Heartwarming Milestone Amid Coronavirus

VIDEOS: Sea Turtle Recovery celebrated its 50th release. But there's no time to rest; an onslaught of "cold-stunned" turtles may be coming.

Goat Rescued In Essex County; New Kid On The Block Goes Home

A pet pygmy goat is back with her grateful family. It's a good news story in a "time of isolation," they said.

See Foxes Romp Through Yards In The Caldwells

Foxes visited the Caldwells, a week after officials issued a wildlife notification for the area. Watch videos, as seen on the Neighbors app.

It Stinks Being Stuck In A Yogurt Package, Montclair Skunk Learns

A skunk in Essex County found itself in a sticky situation after getting its head stuck in a yogurt container.

Deer Freed In Montclair After Getting Pumpkin Stuck On Head: SEE

This deer rescue found a dear spot in the hearts of a pair of animal control officers in Montclair.

Micro-Critters Up Close: Rutgers Student Captures Amazing Footage

Some of the great, unsolved mysteries of science may lurk in places as humble as a New Jersey parking lot puddle.

A Rutgers University student has been capturing the curiosity of scientists and art lovers alike with her photographs of microorganisms like tardigrades and gloeotrichia, which she's dubbed "couch microscopy." (Julia Van Etten/Rutgers University)

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