Wildlife Encounters In Livingston: Bears, Coyotes, Foxes And Deer

LIVINGSTON, NJ — Bears and coyotes and fawns and foxes – oh my! While sightings of these animals and other wildlife in Livingston may be eye-catching, there’s seldom a need for concern if you know what to do, authorities say.

With spring underway and summer just around the bend, the township has been releasing safety reminders about encounters with wild animals. Catch up with some of their advice below.

BEARS

The Livingston Police Department recently released an advisory about bear behavior, noting that local sightings can be reported to the LPD by calling 973-992-3000.

Black bears in New Jersey have continued to adapt to living in closer proximity to people and to human development. Bears are learning to take advantage of human-derived food sources and to associate people with food. Unfortunately, this can lead to bears becoming bold and losing their natural fear of humans.

“Remember, the bear is probably more afraid of you than you are of him,” local authorities said. “Make sure the bear has an escape route, avoid direct eye contact, back up slowly, and speak with a low, assertive but non-threatening voice.”

Residents are reminded never to approach a bear, and that feeding bears is illegal and dangerous. State laws prohibit relocating or interfering with wildlife unless the animal presents a clear and present danger.

Local bear sightings can be reported to the Livingston Police Department at 973-992-3000.

>> Read More: Watch For Bears As Weather Warms In Livingston (See Safety Tips)

COYOTES

There have been sightings of coyotes at times in Livingston, town officials recently noted, adding that it is extremely rare for the animals to attack humans.

“Coyotes bear litters in April and May, making it more likely they could come into contact with humans throughout early summer,” officials said. “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.”

The New Jersey Fish and Wildlife Division of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) has developed information to explain and assist residents regarding how to keep coyotes away from their property and what to do if they encounter a coyote – which can be seen online here.

The NJDEP recommendations include guidelines such as:

• 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.
• 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.

“It is extremely rare for coyotes to attack humans,” Livingston officials wrote. “However, it is important for parents to monitor children and pets, even in familiar surroundings, such as backyards.”

Some tips include:

• 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.

“Livingston is fortunate to have many forms of wildlife — raccoons, foxes, skunks, and other small animals — living among us without much disturbance,” officials stated. “Coyotes travel mainly during nighttime and will prey on those small animals.”

“This makes it important to never leave your pets outside unattended, and to never feed or approach a coyote,” officials said.

If you see a coyote that does not show fear of humans — especially during the day — contact the NJDEP at 908-735-8793, the 24/7 NJDEP Action Hotline at 877-WARNDEP (877-927-6337), or the police department at 973-992-3000, ext. #3390.

FOXES

The Livingston Police Department recently reminded residents that encounters with foxes and their cubs frequently occur at this time of year.

Foxes look for areas that can camouflage them from predators, such as under large trees or dense vegetation. A clean property is less appealing to foxes, so keeping a yard neat and uncluttered will discourage foxes from visiting. Something as simple as installing motion detector lights can also discourage foxes from choosing your yard, police advised.

“Seeing the occasional fox should not cause any concern” authorities said. “Chances are, the fox is just passing through and will be gone soon enough. Taking a few simple, humane steps that can be found online can help ensure that the fox does not decide to make its den in your yard.”

>> Read More: Fox Sightings Common In Livingston This Time Of Year, Police Say

FAWNS

According to the Livingston Police Department, encounters with newborn deer (or “fawns”) can also frequently occur at this time of year.

Fawns are typically born during May and June, making this the time of year residents are most likely to come across them. According to the NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife, the lives of many young animals are often disrupted during spring and early summer as well-intentioned people try to “save” young animals when, in most cases, the mother is nearby, authorities said.

When young, the fawn’s only manner of protecting itself is to stay still and hide until their mother’s return. Their color pattern and lack of scent help them remain hidden, and therefore safe, until the mother has returned. When humans come in physical contact with a fawn, the fawn can pick up the human’s scent, making it easier for a potential predator to locate, officials said.

“With so many properties adjacent to wooded areas, it is natural that humans and wildlife inevitably come across one another,” the LPD advised residents. “These behaviors exhibited by bears, deer, and foxes are normal and natural, and in most cases the animals will leave the area soon. Residents are reminded not to approach them, and that there is no need to contact Animal Control unless an animal has been clearly showing signs of rabies, which is very rare.”

State laws prohibit relocating or interfering with wildlife unless the animal presents a clear and present danger, police added.

Here is some additional information, as per the NJ Division of Fish & Wildlife:

• If you find a young fawn lying alone, leave it there. The mother comes back several times each day to nurse the fawn. If you've already picked the fawn up and brought it home – put it back. Even one or two days after removal from the wild, fawns have been successfully reunited with their mothers, by returning them to the place where they were found. Adult deer spend much of the day feeding and loafing. Fawns that are not strong enough on their legs to keep up with the adults are left behind. Usually young fawns are quite safe because their color pattern and lack of scent help them to remain undetected until their mother's return.
• Intended acts of kindness often have the opposite effect. Instead of being left to learn how to find food, young animals taken from the wild will be denied their natural learning experiences. They often become attached to their caregivers and no longer survive in the wild. In addition, nearly all wild birds and mammals are protected under the law and may not be legally kept as pets. Only when they are found injured or with their dead mother is there reason to do something and only under these circumstances can an animal be transferred to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
• Those who encounter such a situation should consult the list of NJ Wildlife Rehabilitators at dep.nj.gov/njfw/wp-content/uploads/njfw/rehab-list.pdf for the nearest wildlife rehabilitation center.

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