Westfield Park To Reopen After Aggressive Coyote Reported

WESTFIELD, NJ — Brightwood Park will reopen on Wednesday, July 5 at noon after is was closed for precautionary measures to reports of an aggressive coyote.

The park was initially closed on Saturday, July 1 after several residents reported to police unusual coyote behavior. Read More: Aggressive Coyote Sighting Closes Westfield Park

During that time, the Westfield Health Department investigated these reports in consultation with the NJ Fish and Wildlife Division of the Department of Environmental Protection.

"It has been determined that there is currently no evidence of rabid animal behavior in the park," said police on July 5.

The Health Department noted that the summer months always bring an increase in reports of wildlife.

"As a reminder, a coyote sighting is typically not cause for concern, and residents should call the police only if an animal appears sick, aggressive, or injured," said police.

In addition, residents are asked to continue exercising the same caution as always in our parks in the following ways:

• Stay on defined trails.
• Keep dogs leashed and close to you.
• Do not approach wildlife.
• Make noise as you walk.
• Exercise extra caution when walking during dawn or dusk.
• Never feed wildlife.
• Leave no trace by carrying all food items out of parks with you and ensuring all garbage has a tight-fitting lid.

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