Livingston Coyote Sightings: Don’t Leave Dogs Or Kids Alone, Officials Say

LIVINGSTON, NJ — Several Livingston residents reported coyote sightings in the area last weekend, prompting a warning from officials about not leaving dogs and small children alone outside.

The Livingston Police Department Animal Control issued an alert on Saturday afternoon, stating that officers were aware of “numerous” coyote sightings in the municipality.

“Many of these are larger than the expected average, because they are a cross-breed coyote,” township officials wrote. “Rather than an approximate 40 pound maximum, some local animals appear to be upward of 60 pounds.”

“As coyotes are considered a ‘game animal,’ they are governed by the NJDEP's Division of Fish and Wildlife, so we are prohibited from taking local action,” Livingston police wrote. “[Livingston] Animal Control has been actively pursuing the NJDEP's Division of Fish and Wildlife for options in dealing with the coyotes.”

“Coyotes are omnivorous, so they will eat — or try to eat — nearly anything,” Livingston town officials wrote. “Please be vigilant, particularly in the evenings when coyotes are more active.”

Residents shouldn’t leave dogs or small children outside unattended, officials stated.

“We understand the concern that has arisen over these recent sightings, and are working to find options we can pursue, in conjunction with the state DEP,” Livingston officials wrote.

LIVING ALONGSIDE COYOTES

According to the New Jersey DEP, coyotes have occasionally attacked small pets in suburban and urban areas.

“Although attacks on humans are extremely rare in eastern states, as with any predatory animal they can occur,” DEP officials state.

Coyotes, along with foxes, are sometimes afflicted with mange which can result in significant hair loss. The loss of fur can result in making identification of a coyote difficult, resulting in reports of a "mystery" animal, or even a cougar, according to the DEP.

“Coyotes play an important role in the ecosystem, helping to keep rodent populations under control,” the DEP states. “They are by nature wary of humans. However, coyote behavior changes if given access to human food and garbage. They lose caution and fear. They may cause property damage and threaten human safety, requiring euthanasia. Relocating a problem coyote is not an option because it only moves the problem to someone else's neighborhood.”

Local residents who observe coyotes in the daytime that “show no fear of humans” or witness a coyote attacking a person should immediately contact their local police and the Division of Fish and Wildlife at 908-735-8793. Outside of normal business hours residents can call the DEP Hotline at 877-WARN-DEP.

DEP officials offer the following advice about reducing 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.

File photo (not the coyote seen in Livingston): New Jersey DEP

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