Coyote Sighting Confirmed In Bridgewater

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — A coyote sighting was reported in Bridgewater on Monday, officials confirm.

A coyote was reportedly seen off Sunset Ridge in the township on Monday, Bridgewater Police Lt. John Mitzak said.

New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection spokesman Larry Hajna also confirmed the sighting on Monday. That was the only report made to the police and NJDEP this year so far.

A sign was also posted at Chimney Rock Park in Bridgewater warning locals of coyotes.

The sign reads, "Coyote Alert. Monitor your pets. Do not feed coyotes." The sign was spotted by Silvanna Greaux who runs frequently at the park.

"This is the first time I have seen this sign," Greaux said. "I've been told by other runners that there are similar signs in other parks. Not sure if this was posted due to a specific incident or just precautionary."

It is unclear who posted the sign as Mitzak and Hajna both were unaware of the sign.

This isn't the first coyote sighting in the area. A Martinsville resident reported to Patch in January that she captured a coyote on video in the area of Perrine Road and Vosseller Avenue. (See Related: Coyote Caught On Video In Bridgewater Tuesday)

Coyotes are not uncommon to the area as there were multiple sightings reported in May 2018 and March 2017.

Here are some coyote precautions offered by the NJDEP:

• 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.

If you observe coyotes in the daytime that show no fear of humans or if a coyote attacks a person, immediately contact your local police and the Division of Fish and Wildlife at 908-735-8793; outside of normal business hours call the DEP Hotline at 877-WARN-DEP.

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