Multiple Coyote Sightings Reported In Bridgewater

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Multiple recent coyote sightings have been reported during daylight hours in the Martinsville section of Bridgewater Township.

The sightings were reported near near Chimney Rock Park, Washington Valley Park and Camp Cromwell, the township reported Wednesday.

"Please be on the lookout and take all precautions to stay safe,"Bridgewater Township stated.

If you are in immediate danger contact the Bridgewater Police at 908-722-4111.

Coyote Precautions

The following guidelines can help reduce the likelihood of conflicts with coyotes, according to the NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife:

• 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.

For more information on coyote precautions click here or contact the Division of Fish and Wildlife at 908-735-8793, or the DEP Hotline at 877-WARN-DEP.

(Image via Bridgewater Township)

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