Full Notification

UPDATE! 
On Thursday evening, September 25, 2025, a resident from the Chestnut Ridge Road/ Werimus Brook Road 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 Road area was attacked by a coyote while walking a dog.  Both victims received treatment for their injuries.  The Saddle River Police Department and TYCO Animal Control responded to the area and investigated.  During the investigation, two coyotes were located, one already deceased and one that was acting abnormally and was euthanized.  Both will be sent for disease testing.  It is unknown if any public threat continues in the area but we will maintain a presence in the immediate area and continue observation for any sick or aggressive animals.  Conservation Officers from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Division of Fish and Wildlife are now on scene and investigating as well.  Continue to use caution while walking in the area of Chestnut Ridge Road and immediately report any sightings of sick or aggressive animals to our department.  Pay special attention while outside with pets and children and do not leave them unattended.
 
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.
-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.