Town Trapping, Euthanizing Coyotes In Population Control Move: Report

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — At least five coyotes have been killed in one county town as part of an effort to lower the local population of the animal, according to a report.

Saddle River Mayor Al Kurpis said there has been a significant increase in the number of coyote sightings in the borough, NorthJersey.com reported. The animals have acted aggressively and represent a threat to residents and their pets, the report said.

A local task force developed a strategy where animal control officers are identifying coyote dens, trapping and euthanized, Kurpis said in the report.

RELATED: 5 Coyotes Circling Dog Walker, Dog Prompts Warning From Police

Coyotes have become more aggressive in Saddle River recently.

Five coyotes circled a dog walker and a dog recently, coming within six feet of the person and animal, police said recently.

A passing motorist honked their horn, got out and disrupted the confrontation, police said.

There have been incidents of aggressive coyotes in Bergen County in recent years.

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.

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