Wanderlust World Wanderlust World The Passaic River, winding through northern New Jersey, supports a surprisingly diverse array of wildlife despite its history of industrial pollution. Ongoing cleanup efforts have helped restore habitats, allowing many species to return or persist. Here's a breakdown of the river's notable inhabitants:
Ecological Note: The presence of top predators like bald eagles, ospreys, and river otters signals improving water quality. However, legacy contaminants (PCBs, dioxins, mercury) still persist in sediments, so consumption advisories remain in effect for certain fish species. The Passaic's recovery is a testament to the resilience of urban waterways when given a chance.