Police: Coyote Seen Near Bergen County Middle School

Paramus Police posted a notice on Facebook Tuesday that a coyote was spotted in the back of Westbrook Middle School.

The post contained a letter to parents from district Superintendent Kenneth Rota. The letter states that there has been “several sightings” of coyotes near some of the district’s schools recently and that the animals could be seen from some of the buildings.

According to the letter, the coyotes did not approach the buildings and “at no time were any students” close to the animals. Paramus police officers responded to the schools to ensure students’ safety.

This is not the first time this spring coyotes have been spotted near schools in Bergen County.

An aggressive coyote seen near Norwood Public School last month was captured. Norwood police said they were “very confident” it was the same animal that attacked the tires on a police car in Norwood. Authorities found two dens near the school, one of which had dead coyote pups in it.

Norwood school officials kept students indoors for a few days and police patrolled near the school while authorities attempted to capture the animal.

A rabid coyote also attacked a Norwood man while he was walking his dog last month. That coyote was found and euthanized. Another man was attacked at his Saddle River home while working in his yard. That same coyote, according to reports, attacked a neighbor’s dog as well.

Authorities urge residents to call their school’s principal or the Paramus Police Department at 201-262-3400 with any questions.