You may feel completely safe in your community against wild animals, but there is always a chance that the wilderness can come into your backyard. This could be dangerous as New Jersey does have many species that could harm you.
NJ.com explains that you should familiarize yourself with the different animals that could be a danger to you so that you can prevent an animal attack.
Snakes
There are two snake species in the state that you want to watch out for. Timber rattlesnakes are venomous snakes that you should avoid completely. Do not attempt to engage it in any way. It is endangered, so you cannot harm one if you see it. The other snake is the northern copperhead. It is also venomous but usually will stay away from people. You should avoid both of these snakes and call a professional for removal.
Four-legged creatures
Black bears are present in New Jersey. They can grow huge and pose a serious threat to people. It is not uncommon for them to wander into inhabited areas. If you encounter one, do not run. Back away slowly.
Coyotes are more of a threat to small animals, but they are also a danger to small children. The worst thing is they may seem friendly at first and then attack. They are too hard to outrun, so you would have to engage to scare it enough to back off.
Bobcats are all over the state. They are generally not a problem unless they are rabid. This introduces another layer of risk, so you should avoid them completely.