Full Notification

On Thursday evening, September 25, 2025, a resident from the Chestnut Ridge Road/ Werimus Rd area reported a coyote had attacked him while he was walking his dog.  Again on Friday morning, September 26, 2025, a worker in the Chestnut Ridge Road/ North Church Rd area was attacked by a coyote while walking a dog.  Both victims received treatment for their injuries.  Members of the Saddle River Police Department responded to the area and began an investigation.  TYCO Animal Control was notified and personnel will be responding to the area to assist the Officers.  Conservation Officers from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Division of Fish and Wildlife were notified and will be assisting in the investigation. 
Any resident that has had a similar incident should call the Saddle River Police to document the event.  Call the Saddle River Police at 201-327-5300.
Use caution while walking in the area of Chestnut Ridge Road.  Pay special attention to small pets and children and never leave them unattended outside.
 
Coyote Precautions
https://dep.nj.gov/njfw/wildlife/coyote/
The following guidelines can help reduce the likelihood of conflicts with coyotes:
Never feed a coyote. Deliberately feeding coyotes puts pets and other residents in the neighborhood at risk. · Feeding pet cats and/or feral (wild) cats outdoors can attract coyotes. The coyotes feed on the pet food and also prey upon the cats. · Put garbage in tightly closed containers that cannot be tipped over. · Remove sources of water, especially in dry climates. · Bring pets in at night. · Put away bird feeders at night to avoid attracting rodents and other coyote prey. · Provide secure enclosures for rabbits, poultry, and other farm animals. · Pick up fallen fruit and cover compost piles. Past interbreeding between wolves and coyotes may be responsible for the larger size and color variations in the eastern coyote.
Although extremely rare, coyotes have been known to attack humans. Parents should monitor their children, even in familiar surroundings, such as backyards. · Install motion-sensitive lighting around the house. · Clear brush and dense weeds from around dwellings – this reduces protective cover for coyotes and makes the area less attractive to rodents and rabbits. Coyotes, as well as other predators, are attracted to areas where rodents are concentrated like woodpiles. · If coyotes are present, make sure they know they’re not welcome. Make loud noises, blast a canned air siren, throw rocks, or spray them with a garden hose.
If you observe coyotes in the daytime that show no fear of humans or if a coyote attacks a person, immediately contact your local police and the Division of Fish and Wildlife at 908-735-8793; outside of normal business hours call the DEP Hotline at 877-WARN-DEP.