Community Corner
WATCH: Coyotes Spotted In Paramus Backyard
Breaking: The animals were seen at the Brettonwoods townhouse complex Wednesday.
PARAMUS, NJ — Coyotes were spotted in a borough residence's backyard Wednesday morning.
Ankit Patel filmed video of the animals in the Brettonwoods townhouse complex on Scarlet Oak Lane.
Coyote sightings have been on the rise in Bergen County in recent weeks.
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There were three sightings in Haworth a few weekends ago, including one near the Bergen County Center for Child Development.
Five coyotes circled a dog walker and a dog in Saddle River last year. The five coyotes came within six feet of the walker and the dog, but did not attack. A passing motorist honked their horn, got out and disrupted the confrontation.
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Two such animals were seen in Saddle River County Park in May 2016.
A coyote that attacked and bit a man walking his dog in Norwood in 2015 tested positive for rabies. That animal was later found and euthanized. A female coyote was found near a Norwood school and a den was not far away.
Coyotes were also spotted in Paramus, Ridgewood, Midland Park, and Harrington Park in 2015.
Police remind about steps they could take to make sure they are safe around coyotes:
- Coyotes primarily hunt rodents and rabbits for food, but will take advantage of eating whatever food is available. Please make sure all garbage is secured on properties.
- Clear brush and weeds from around the house to reduce protective cover for both coyotes and prey animals like rodents and rabbits.
- Never leave children or small domestic animals unsupervised, even in familiar surroundings such as backyards.
- Coyotes are fairly skittish animals and should not be tempted to advance toward humans, if they do contact police immediately.
- Never try to feed or advance towards coyotes, they are wild animals, not pets and may become aggressive if they feel they are being stalked or in danger.
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Photo by Collins93 via Shutterstock
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