Crime & Safety

Large Coyote Spotted in Scotch Plains

The NJ Department of Fish and Wildlife is aware of the sighting but will not be taking any action.

A large coyote was spotted by a resident of Greensview Drive near Ash Brook Golf Course in Scotch Plains on Monday night, according to Patch reader David Kody who posted the following advisory:

"Scotch Plains residents BEWARE!! A very large Coyote (roughly 50lbs) has been sited by a resident on Greensview Drive on the ASH BROOK Golf Course. The Coyote attempted to attack the resident and his pet. The incident was reported to the Scotch Plains Police Department, Animal Control and the NJ Dept of Fish & Wildlife."

A representative of the Department of Fish and Wildlife confirmed that the sighting was reported.

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"There were no injuries to anyone or any pets that we know of, so we’re not responding on site,” biologist Al Ivany told the Star-Ledger. “If it’s just a sighting, an animal moving on its way, it shouldn’t be an issue." 

Ivany directed residents to the department's webpage regarding coyotes, which lists the following precautions: 

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  • 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.
  • 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.
  • If you observe coyotes in the daytime that show no fear of humans or if a coyote attacks a person, immediately contact your local police and the Division of Fish and Wildlife at 908-735-8793; outside of normal business hours call the DEP Hotline at 877-WARN-DEP.




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