Coyote Seen In Freehold Township

FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP, NJ — A coyote sighting has been confirmed in Freehold Township and authorities are urging residents to be wary and aware.

In a post on Facebook, officials said the sighting had been confirmed but did not say where in the township the coyote was seen or when it was seen. Further information has been requested from Freehold Township police.

Authorities are warning residents to be aware and steer clear of the animal due to concerns about rabies.

"Coyotes are a potential source of rabies exposure for humans," the notice said.

Coyotes usually hunt for rodents and rabbits but will also take advantage of whatever else is available, including garbage, pet food and small domestic animals.

Attracting coyotes is preventable by following these guidelines:

• Don't feed a coyote
• Don't leave pet food outside (including feeding feral cats)
• Secure garbage cans
• Remove sources of water
• Put away birdfeeders at night to avoid attracting rodents and other coyote prey

"Although extremely rare, coyotes have attacked humans. Parents should monitor their children and household pets, even in familiar surroundings, such as backyards," the post noted.

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Photo by Paul Tessier via Shutterstock