Morris Co. Coyote Found With Rabies, Extending Trail Closures

RANDOLPH, NJ — Officials found a coyote who tested positive for rabies on the Hidden Valley Park trails in Randolph. As a result, they will close the area until Saturday.

The township closed the trails June 17 after a coyote sighting. The New Jersey Division of Fish & Wildlife concluded a trapping and hunting operation Saturday, but they found second coyote that had rabies.

The trails will be closed until Saturday for further patrolling and surveillance. They will reopen then if officials observe no further evidence of coyote activity.

Coyotes bear litters during April and May. Conflicts between humans and coyotes are most likely to develop as adults forage for food for the pups during spring and summer, according to the Division of Fish & Wildlife.

The animals primarily hunt rodents and rabbits but will take advantage of what's available, including garbage, pet food and domestic animals left unattended. Coyotes have occasionally attacked small pets in New Jersey. Attacks on humans are "extremely rare" in the United States but can occur, according to the agency.

The Division of Fish & Wildlife has the following guidelines and precautions:

• Never 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, throw rocks, or spray them with a garden hose.