Full Notification

In recent weeks you may have heard of coyote attacks in surrounding towns against humans while walking their dogs. Sadly, earlier this week in Ho-Ho-Kus, a beloved family dog was attacked in its own backyard and succumbed to its injuries. Some concerned residents have asked why this had not been publicized or alerts sent. This particular situation was quite different. First, the police were alerted 3 hours after the attack when the family returned home from the animal hospital. Second, the coyote had been scared off by the dog’s owner and had already left the area, so there was no immediate threat. In the other cases, the coyotes had remained in the area and were still a threat. Had the threat been imminent or an ongoing dangerous situation- rest assured an alert would have been sent!
 
Fall is the time of year when juvenile coyotes begin to leave the pack, sightings are more common now and in January- March during the mating season. We encourage residents to report any coyote sightings to the Police 201-652-1700, especially if the animal is acting strange or not scared off. Both our Police Department and Animal Control continue to monitor the situation throughout the region.
 
Below are some helpful tips and more information.
 
What to do if I see a coyote
It is important not to encourage, or even tolerate, coyotes around your residence. The longer they are allowed to remain, the bolder and more aggressive they are likely to become to humans and pets. Do not leave children or small pets unattended.

It is everyone’s responsibility to dissuade coyotes from using and frequenting areas used by humans. Once coyotes become unafraid and aggressive towards people, it’s unlikely the habituation process can be reversed. If you observe a coyote near your home, find a safe place where you can:

• Yell at the coyote while waving your arms above your head.
• Throw inedible objects such as rocks and sticks in the direction of the coyote.
• Use noise makers such as whistles, air horns, or pots and pans.
• Back away slowly: If the coyote continues to approach, slowly back away while continuing to make noise and appear large. Move towards buildings or other human activity if possible. 
• Carry a deterrent: Carry a whistle, umbrella, or even hairspray (for night) to help scare it away if an encounter escalates. 

To discourage future visits from coyotes:

• If you are feeding wildlife, STOP.
• Keep trash inside until the morning of trash pickup or place trash in an animal proof container.
• If you feed pets outside, make sure their bowls are empty afterwards. Feeding feral cats is an especially bad idea in areas frequented by coyotes.
• Remove bird feeders and clean up fallen seed to keep small mammals from being attracted to the area.
• Close up all openings under and into your buildings to prevent their use as den sites.
• Clear fallen fruit from around trees.
• Remove or clean up brushy areas close to your home that provide potential cover for coyotes and their prey.

Most wild animals keep their distance from people, and you should keep your distance from wildlife. While actual attacks by wildlife are unlikely, they most often occur when animals are sick, startled, feel threatened, or become accustomed to people.
If you are seeing wildlife in your backyard; respect the animal and do not react unless it is behaving unnaturally. Do not approach or try to get closer to an animal. Wild animals should be left undisturbed unless they are injured, orphaned, or causing damage.
After the animal has left the yard, survey your property to determine what, if anything, might have attracted the animal. Chances are it was just passing through. Remove anything (e.g., garbage, pet food, bird feeders) that might be an attractant.
 
Review prevention solutions for additional information at the link below. https://wildlifehelp.org/solution/new-jersey/coyote/what-do-if-i-see-coyote/101