A recent incident in New Jersey involved a man and a 13-year-old girl being attacked by a coyote, along with a Maltese Shih Tzu dog. The Essex County Sheriff’s Office reported that the attack occurred in the Maplewood area of South Mountain Reservation near a dog park. The girl was taken to a local hospital, while the man’s condition remains unknown. The dog is currently receiving treatment from an emergency veterinarian.
Following the attack, Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo announced the closure of the dog park and Crest Drive in South Mountain Reservation due to the presence of an aggressive coyote. He urged caution for anyone visiting the area, emphasizing the need to be vigilant.
In addition to the mentioned victims, another woman was reportedly bitten by the coyote, although her current condition is not known. Authorities suspect that the coyote may be rabid, as it was seen traveling alone during the incident.
This incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers posed by wildlife in natural reserves and parks. It is crucial for visitors to remain cautious and alert when exploring such areas to prevent similar encounters in the future.
New Jersey officials warn of ‘aggressive coyote’ on the prowl after multiple attacks, including a child
Overview
New Jersey residents are on high alert as officials have issued warnings about an ‘aggressive coyote’ that has been on the prowl in the area. The warning comes after multiple reported attacks, including one on a child.
Incident Details
The most recent incident occurred in a residential neighborhood in Bergen County, where a child was bitten by a coyote while playing outside. The child sustained minor injuries and was taken to the hospital for treatment. This attack has sparked concern among local residents and prompted officials to take action to ensure the safety of the community.
Officials’ Response
Following the incident, New Jersey wildlife officials are urging residents to be cautious and vigilant when outdoors, especially in areas where coyote sightings have been reported. They are working to track down the aggressive coyote responsible for the attacks and are asking the public to report any sightings or encounters with the animal.
What to Do if You Encounter a Coyote
- Avoid approaching or cornering the animal
- Make loud noises and wave your arms to try to scare it away
- Back away slowly and do not turn your back on the coyote
- If the coyote approaches you, throw objects at it or use a whistle to scare it off
Benefits and Practical Tips
Here are some practical tips to keep in mind to stay safe in areas where coyotes may be present:
- Avoid leaving food or garbage outside, as this can attract coyotes
- Keep small pets indoors or supervise them when they are outside
- Clean up fallen fruits or bird seeds, which can also attract wildlife
- Do not feed coyotes or any other wild animals
Case Studies
There have been several reported cases of coyote attacks in New Jersey in recent years, highlighting the need for residents to be cautious in areas where wildlife is prevalent. In one incident, a jogger was bitten by a coyote while running in a local park. In another case, a homeowner’s pet was killed by a coyote in their backyard.
First-hand Experience
One New Jersey resident shared their experience encountering a coyote while walking their dog in a wooded area. They noticed the animal following them at a distance and immediately took action to scare it off by making loud noises and waving their arms. The coyote eventually ran off, and the resident safely returned home with their pet.
Conclusion
It is important for New Jersey residents to take precautions when outdoors to avoid potential encounters with aggressive wildlife, such as coyotes. By following the tips and guidelines provided by wildlife officials, individuals can help ensure their safety and the well-being of their community.
