Following several recent coyote sightings in town, the Livingston Police Department andAnimal Control are both urging residents to exercise caution and awareness while walking pets near wooded areas or during dawn and dusk.
“Please do not leave your pets unattended. Should you spot a coyote, please keep a safe distance and remain calm,” LPD said in a Facebook post.
People are asked to direct concerns and report sightings to Animal Control by emailing [email protected].
The town officials also issued a press release on what to do if one encounters a coyote, explaining that people should maintain eye contact with the animal. That press release may be seen below.
• • • Recent coyote sightings in the area have prompted both concern and social media posts from residents. It’s important for Livingston residents to be aware of the potential presence of coyotes and of steps they can take to ensure their own safety and that of their family members and pets.
It is extremely rare for coyotes to attack humans, and attacks can be prevented taking certain steps when coming across a coyote. Yelling and making noise, stomping one’s feet, throwing rocks or sticks at the coyote to cause a distraction, and using pepper spray or bear repellent are typically effective ways to avoid a conflict. Encounters may occur when out with one’s dog; pick up and hold onto a small dog, and stand in front of a larger dog, placing oneself between the dog and the coyote.
Never approach a coyote; however, upon encountering one always maintain eye contact; do not turn your back on the animal, and do not run – these behaviors could trigger a coyote’s hunting instinct and cause the animal to chase you. Should the coyote maintain its ground and not run away despite one’s making noise or using other repellent behaviors, the animal may be habituated to humans or there may be pups nearby; whatever the reason for standing its ground, one should back away slowly while maintaining eye contact.
With the increase in local sightings, it is important for parents to monitor children and pets, 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.
The NJ Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) offers recommendations such as:
• Never feed a coyote or any wildlife. 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.
Livingston is fortunate to have many forms of wildlife – raccoons, foxes, skunks, and other small animals – living among us without much disturbance. Coyotes travel mainly during nighttime and will prey on those small animals. This makes it important to never leave your pets outside unattended, and to never feed or approach a coyote.
The New Jersey Fish and Wildlife Division of the NJDEP has developed information to explain and assist residents in understanding how to keep coyotes away from their property and what to do if they encounter a coyote: state.nj.us/dep/ fgw/coyote_info.htm. All are urged to read the NJDEP webpage and to call the Livingston Health Department at 973-535-7961 to report any coyote sightings within the Township. The Health Department is reporting the locations to the state in an effort to monitor their activity.
If you see a coyote that does not show fear of humans – especially during the day – contact the Health Department at 973-535-7961 or the Police Department at 973-992-3000, extension 3390.
