Iguanas, Bobcats And Wolves, Oh My: Top Animal Stories Of 2018

Pets, outdoor critters and animals in general seem to always hold a special place in our hearts. And in 2018, there were plenty of animal stories from dramatic rescues to adoptions to heartwarming tails... err we mean tales.

Grab your furbuddy and sit back and recap on the animal stories of 2018.

Unusual Animals:

'Alligator-Like Creature' Prompts Police Call In Neptune

NEPTUNE, NJ — If you've never seen an iguana before, you might not be sure how to describe it. That seems to have been the case in Neptune, where police say they received a report about an... Read more

Nutley Library Thrown To The Wolves (And People Love It)

NUTLEY, NJ — Their “wolf” heritage tends to be shy with strangers, but also intelligent, stubborn and playful. Their “dog” half will tend to reflect whatever breed of canine they hail from.... Read more

Goat Yoga At Hillsborough Farm Combines Nature And Inner Peace

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — Yoga enthusiasts or even just animal lovers can now find their inner peace while experiencing the pleasure of playful goats and a breathtaking rolling view of the Sourland Mountain... Read more

Baby Bobcats Found By Maintenance Workers In Morris County

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ — Tree trimming services discover baby wildlife all the time, but last week maintenance workers made an unexpected find when they stumbled across three baby bobcats in Morris County.Nelson... Read more

Dramatic Rescues:

Kitten’s ‘Hell Ride’ Ends In Rescue By Scotch Plains Mechanic

SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ — A 2-month old kitten went on a “hell ride” while trapped underneath a car for more than 40 miles before being rescued by a Scotch Plains mechanic. On Thursday, a driver... Read more

Deer Tangled In Soccer Net Rescued In Franklin

FRANKLIN, NJ — A young buck has two Franklin Animal Control Officers to thank after getting his antlers stuck in a soccer net.Someone driving by the field on Weston Canal Road on Tuesday morning... Read more

NJ Transit Conductor Rescues Dog On Tracks, Uses Tie As Leash

SOUTH ORANGE, NJ — A dog was reunited with its owner after being treated to a free trip aboard a NJ Transit train last weekend, authorities said. According to a NJ Transit spokesperson, the... Read more

Pit Bull Stranded Under Paterson's Great Falls Is Rescued

OAKLAND, NJ — A Paterson firefighter and volunteers helped rescue a pit bull stranded on a ledge beneath the Paterson Great Falls Sunday.The dog after being was stuck on a ledge Sunday just... Read more

Fawn Stuck In Car For 30 Miles Rescued By Franklin Officers

FRANKLIN, NJ — Despite a heroic rescue by animal control officers, a fawn died of injuries sustained after getting stuck in a car and driven from Franklin to Morristown. The fawn was hit by... Read more

Heartwarming 'Tails:'

Pup Saves Princeton Native's Life Who Had Seizure

PRINCETON, NJ — Several months ago, Judith Nostrand formerly of Princeton was in a building bathroom when her service dog, Trindle, began barking to let her know a seizure was coming on. Nostrand,... Read more

Despite Awful Injury, Pit Bull With ‘Half A Face’ Still Smiling

NEWARK, NJ — Paris didn’t ask to be used, abused and abandoned on the streets of Newark. She didn't ask to be attacked and lose half of her face. She didn’t ask to be separated from her puppies.... Read more

Bow Ties For Dogs: Newark Boy's Booming Business Warms Hearts

NEWARK, NJ — If you want to wax poetic about it, making bow ties is Darius Brown’s way of fighting cruelty in a world that doesn’t always have the resources – or willpower - to help the less... Read more

Record Number Of Pets Adopted At Somerset Regional Animal Shelter

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — A record number of pets were adopted from the Somerset Regional Animal Shelter (SRAS) in 2017 with 992 cats, dogs, and other small companion animals finding permanent new homes. This... Read more

Odin, NJ Dog With Larger Than Life Bucket List, Passes Away

SUSSEX, NJ — Odin, a beloved St. Bernard dog from Sussex who went viral for his bucket list, died after a four-month battle with cancer, his owner announced. He was 4-years-old."I just want... Read more

(Image by Alexis Tarrazi)

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