Teen Girl And Dog Who Were Attacked By Coyote In North Jersey Are Helped By GoFundMe

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — After a 13-year-old girl, a dog, and an adult were attacked by a coyote at the South Mountain Reservation on the afternoon of July 1, residents have come together to help. READ MORE: Coyote Attack Reported At South Mountain Reservation

A cousin of the 13-year-old girl said that it was her Shih Tzu dog that was attacked, and her 13-year-old cousin was walking the dog during the incident at the Essex County park.

The dog's owner, who is only 18, started a GoFundMe that has so far raised $5,330 just for treatment of her pet.

"Hi, my name is Giselle Romero," explained the 18-year-old. "I was walking in a trail right next to the dog park with my little dog, my best friend, yesterday at noon and a coyote attacked my cousin who was holding the dog and snatched the puppy from her. She lost an eye which there is no fixing ... but she should make it out alive with the right treatment. Please if you can donate whatever you can because the animal hospital is not cheap and I’m an 18 year old girl who works part time and my parents did the most they could."

On Thursday, she gave an update in the GoFundMe:

"Luna is now home from her successful visit from the animal hospital, and is on the start to a long successful road to recovery with lots of treats on the way. Luna sends you guys so many wet kisses and is already wagging her to tail ! May God bless you."

Meanwhile, last Saturday, a park in Westfield was closed because of a sighting of an "aggressive coyote." READ MORE: Aggressive Coyote Sighting Closes Westfield Park

Then, Saturday night, the Maplewood police sent an alert to residents saying a coyote had been spotted in town. Minutes later, they revised their announcement and said it was a fox.

Reports have quieted since then, but officials are still on alert. Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. sent out this message last weekend:

On Friday, an aggressive coyote bit a park visitor and a dog near the dog park in Essex County South Mountain Reservation.

Since the incident, we closed Crest Drive and the South Mountain Dog Park. In addition, our parks staff and Sheriff’s Officers have been monitoring the area with the assistance of New Jersey Fish and Wildlife during the last 24 hours.

Under the recommendation of NJ Fish and Wildlife and in an abundance of caution to protect the safety of the public, Crest Drive, the South Mountain Dog Park and all picnic and parking areas between South Orange Avenue and Glen Avenue, including Locust Grove, will be closed for the next five days. They will be reopened on Thursday, July 6.

Turtle Back Zoo, Codey Arena and the Recreation Complex by the Reservoir are not affected and will remain open.

Coyote Information

The township of Livingston sent out advice in early spring about what to do if you see a coyote. READ MORE: 'Never Leave Children Alone' Outside, Livingston Says

Earlier this year, foxes and coyotes were spotted in urban areas, including in Hoboken, N.J. and in Queens, N.Y.: READ MORE: Fox, Or Coyote? Debate Rages In. Hoboken