Aggressive Coyote Sighting Closes Westfield Park

WESTFIELD, NJ — Sightings of aggressive coyote behavior have prompted Westfield Police to close Brightwood Park on Saturday afternoon.

The Westfield Police Department and the Westfield Regional Health Department are investigating the situation, and no injuries have occurred, said Westfield Police in an alert around 11:30 a.m. on July 1.

In addition, the NJ Department of Environmental Protection as well as The Friends of Brightwood Park have been informed of the park's closure.

Residents are asked to report any coyote sighting to the Westfield Police Department so that the information can be included in their investigation.

Police will continue to update the community. Brightwood Park is a 44-acre nature preserve located off Prospect Street in town.

In Essex County, a teen, a man and a dog were attacked by a coyote at South Mountain Reservation on Friday, authorities say. Read More: Coyote Attack Reported At South Mountain Reservation In Essex County

Coyote populations are expanding throughout New Jersey, increasing the likelihood of coyotes living in or near developed areas, experts say. Despite this increase, reports of coyote-related damage have remained relatively low. Coyotes are naturally wary of people, and they rarely cause property damage or act aggressively.

Here are some tips for reducing the likelihood that you’ll run into a conflict with a coyote, state officials say:

DON’T FEED THEM – “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. Past interbreeding between wolves and coyotes may be responsible for the larger size and color variations in the eastern coyote.”

TAKE PRECAUTIONS – “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.”

— With reporting by Eric Kiefer,Patch Staff

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.