Full Notification

Coyote Awareness and Safety Information
The Norwood Police Department would like to make residents aware that several Bergen County towns have recently reported coyote attacks. While no daytime sightings or aggressive coyote behavior have been reported in Norwood, our agency has received general concerns from residents.
Coyotes are known to inhabit this region and may be heard howling or “barking,” particularly from dusk until dawn. Generally, coyotes fear and avoid humans; however, residents should immediately contact the Norwood Police Department if a coyote appears unafraid of people or behaves aggressively.
Below is guidance from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP):
To help prevent conflicts with coyotes:

• Never feed coyotes. Feeding them (or leaving pet food outdoors) can attract them and increase risks to pets and neighbors.
• Feed pets indoors and avoid feeding feral (wild) cats outdoors.
• Secure garbage in tightly closed containers that cannot be tipped over.
• Remove sources of water, especially during dry weather.
• Bring pets indoors at night.
• Remove bird feeders overnight to prevent attracting rodents, which are coyote prey.
• Provide secure enclosures for rabbits, poultry, and other small animals.
• Pick up fallen fruit and cover compost piles.

• Install motion-activated lighting around your home.
• Clear brush, tall grass, and dense weeds near your property to reduce hiding spots and rodent habitats.
• If coyotes are nearby, make sure they know they are unwelcome — make loud noises, use an air horn, throw small objects like rocks, or spray water from a hose.

• Norwood Police Department: 201-768-0850
• NJ Fish & Wildlife: 908-735-8793
• After hours: NJDEP Hotline: 877-WARN-DEP