'Never Leave Children Alone,' Livingston Says, Due To Coyote Sightings

LIVINGSTON, NJ — Following on the heels of last month's advisories about foxes and deer in the Livingston area, the town of Livingston recently gave a more serious warning for residents about sightings of coyotes in the township, as well as in West Orange.

Unlike with some local wildlife (such as deer), a family member or a pet can be in danger from coyotes.

"There have recently been sightings of coyotes in Livingston and West Orange," the town advised in a message last week. "It’s important for Livingston residents to be aware of this fact and of steps they can take to ensure their own safety and that of their family members and pets."

Where Livingston Residents Saw Them

In Livingston, after the town posted its warning online last week, residents chimed in.

"I hear them sometimes at night," a woman wrote.

"On Baker Road during the daytime hours and was walking in through the backyards of a few houses," said one man, in response to a friend who noted that he'd seen them.

"Lots of cougars at Shop Rite," noted one jokester.

Even In Cities

Coyote sightings seem to have been prevalent this year in unusual areas. Residents of Hoboken even reported seeing one walking through city streets during spring.

In Essex County, the first official coyote sightings occurred in the 1980s, the state says.

Last week, a West Orange man told Patch that while walking his dogs near the South Mountain Reservation, a coyote appeared and attacked one of his dogs.

What Should You Do?

The town advised remaining vigilant.

"It is extremely rare for coyotes to attack humans," they wrote. "However, it is important for parents to monitor children and pets, even in familiar surroundings, such as backyards. Coyotes travel mainly during nighttime and will prey on small animals."

• Never leave children or pets alone outside.
• Always bring pets in at night.

(The bite of a wild animal, even if it doesn't penetrate the skin, could spread rabies, which is always fatal unless treated immediately. Since 1989, foxes, bats, raccoons, deer, groundhogs, and even a ferret were found to have rabies in New Jersey.)

Keep Coyotes Away

The New Jersey Fish and Wildlife Division of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) recommends taking the following steps to keep coyotes away from your property, according to the town:

• Never feed a coyote or any wildlife. 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.
• 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.
• 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 You See One; Who To Call

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.

All are urged to read the guidelines in the NJDEP website link (http://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/coyote_info.htm) and call the Livingston Health Department at 973-535-7961 to report a coyote sighting within the Township. The Health Department is reporting the locations to the State in an effort to monitor their activity.

If you see a coyote that does not show fear of humans — especially during the day — contact the Health Department or the Police Department at 973-992-3000 ext. #3390.