BERGEN COUNTY
,
NJ
– Due to recent sightings of coyotes in
Bergen
County
, Bergen County Executive McNerney and the Department of Health Services remind residents to take safety precautions for living with wild animals. While coyotes and fox are among the most successful urban mammals, they pose little risk for residents who follow simple precautions.
“The risk posed to residents by coyote and fox living near them is low,” said McNerney. “We can keep that risk low by learning to take simple precautions. Living safely with wildlife enriches us all.”
Coyotes may stay in closer contact with humans if food is constantly and easily available. Be sure that you:
· Do not leave pet food outside regularly.
· Keep garbage in a secure container.
Coyotes will become wary of people or surroundings if they encounter loud noise or bright lights. You may discourage them if you:
· Install motion detectors on outside lights.
· Keep a whistle handy and blow it if a coyote is seen.
· Make loud noises by banging metal trash can or pot lids together.
Coyotes will occasionally attack domestic pets, but they more commonly hunt small mammals such as rabbits, mice, rats and squirrels. While the danger to pets from coyotes is low, outdoor supervision will increase your pets’ safety from other potential dangers as well.
It is not unusual to see coyotes and fox during daylight hours; they are probably in search of small mammals. However, call your local police department if you see a coyote or fox during daylight hours that is acting sick or showing abnormal behaviors, such as partial paralysis, circling, staggering as if drunk or disoriented, self-mutilating or exhibiting either unprovoked aggression or unnatural tameness. While waiting for professionals to arrive, keep people and any pets away from the animals. Generally, wildlife is best left alone.
