Coyote Sightings In East Brunswick, Police Ask Residents To Stay Alert

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ — The East Brunswick Police Department said they have received reports of coyote sightings in the Township.

Coyote sightings were reported in the area of Ryder Lanes and Tices Lane, police said Wednesday. It's unclear if one coyote is roaming the area or more. Police have asked residents to remain mindful and vigilant at all times.

Residents living in the area should not leave their pets unattended, said police.

Coyotes by nature are wary of humans and attacks are extremely rare, police said. However, in the event that a resident sees a coyote acting aggressive or irregular they should contact the East Brunswick Police Department immediately (emergency: 911 and non-emergency: 732-390-6900).

The NJ Fish and Wildlife has the following guidelines that can help reduce conflicts with coyotes:

• Don't ever 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, or spray them with a garden hose.

For additional information on coyotes, visit the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife website: https://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/coyote_info.htm

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