Coyotes Spotted In Cranbury Township

CRANBURY, NJ — Just a heads up that coyotes have been spotted in Cranbury Township, and police want residents to be aware, especially if they have pets.

"Over the last several weeks, there have been undocumented reports of coyote sightings within the Township," said Cranbury police Monday. "Although these sightings have not been officially reported to the police department, we want to share this along with some valuable information on how to avoid a confrontation with a coyote."

Coyotes are primarily carnivorous but also opportunistic. Seasonally they eat fruit and berries but in populated areas they also eat garbage and pet food.

"Attacks on small dogs and cats are common," warn police. "Coyotes in these populated areas get comfortable with humans and are drawn to yards by pets, pet food, garbage, small farm animals and denning sites."

Coyotes can carry rabies. How to avoid conflicts with coyotes:

• Do NOT feed coyotes
• Do NOT allow pets to run loose or unattended
• Do NOT run from a coyote
• Report aggressive/fearless coyotes immediately
• Do NOT create conflict; if a coyote is acting as a coyote should by avoiding humans and pets, do not seek out opportunities to frighten the animal away by hazing or aggravating it.