The purpose of this advisory is to provide relevant and precautionary safety information regarding the presence and sightings of coyotes within the Township. Numerous sightings of coyotes have been reported, particularly in and near the wooded areas along the Saddle River including the Bergen County Park bike/walking paths.
Coyotes basically resemble small to average size German Shepard dogs and have long snouts and thick, bushy tails. Coyotes primarily and naturally prey/hunt small to medium size animals and birds in wooded environments and survive on whatever food sources they can find.
Coyotes are typically well secreted in their natural wooded environment but may be seen any time of the day. The mere sight of a coyote may be frightening to many, but coyotes are wary of and will typically avoid human contact. An aggressive coyote interaction with a human person is extremely rare. As with any wild animal, the following preventive actions and precautions can help reduce any interactions and/or conflicts with coyotes:
1. If a coyote is sighted, avoid the immediate area and make loud noises to scare it away
2. Keep all pets/dogs leashed when walking and never let them roam freely
3. Do Not feed wild animals or birds or pets outside
4. Keep household garbage in tightly secured cans/containers
5. Install secure yard enclosures/fencing for pets kept outside
6. Install motion detection outdoor lighting
7. Clear dense brush, weeds and habitats that harbor rodents and the like in and around property.
The police department has been in communication with and received the aforementioned advice and input from the Bergen County Parks Department and the N.J. Division of Wildlife concerning the coyote presence within the Township. The existence and sightings of the coyotes in proximity to our developed homes and environment should not cause alarm but are a signal to become more aware of our surroundings and take precautions as appropriate.
In instances of threatening, unusual or hostile observations/interactions with coyotes, contact the police department immediately.
