BREAKING: Rabies-Positive Coyote Found After Attacks Escalate in Saddle River & Woodcliff Lake—Is Your Pet Safe?
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, A dangerous surge in coyote attacks has put several North Jersey communities, particularly in Bergen County, on high alert. The escalating incidents, which include attacks on residents, pets, and a confirmed case of rabies, have prompted the Ridgewood Police Department to issue an urgent plea for vigilance and adherence to crucial safety measures.
The string of aggressive encounters started in late September and escalated through October, revealing a disturbing pattern of bolder, and in some cases, infected, wildlife.
Timeline of Attacks: From Saddle River to Ho-Ho-Kus
The recent wave of incidents highlights the growing danger in areas near wooded and residential areas:
- Sept. 25 & 26 (Saddle River): The attacks began on the evening of September 25, when a Saddle River resident was attacked by a coyote while walking his dog on Chestnut Ridge Road near Werimus Road. Shockingly, the very next morning, another coyote incident occurred nearby on Chestnut Ridge Road by North Church Road.
- Rabies Confirmed: Police were able to locate two coyotes linked to the incidents. One was already dead, and the other had to be euthanized due to displaying aggressive behavior. Crucially, one of these coyotes tested positive for rabies, confirming a severe public health risk.
- Oct. 19 (Ho-Ho-Kus): The danger to pets was tragically demonstrated when a coyote killed a dog in Ho-Ho-Kus, according to local news reports.
- Oct. 20 (Woodcliff Lake): Just days later, a coyote attacked another person walking their dog in Woodcliff Lake, underscoring the shift in coyote behavior toward aggressive daytime encounters.
Urgent Safety Directives from Ridgewood Police
The Ridgewood Police Department is urging residents across Bergen County to take immediate action to protect their families and their pets. The primary goal is to remove wildlife attractants and make sure coyotes maintain a healthy fear of humans.
Critical Safety Checklist:
- Stay Hyper-Alert: Always supervise children and pets when outdoors, particularly near wooded areas or after dark. Never leave pets unattended, even in fenced yards.
- Leash Your Dogs: Keep dogs on a short, non-retractable leash when walking. This is your best defense if an encounter occurs.
- Secure All Food Sources: Keep garbage, compost, and any outdoor pet food secured indoors or in tightly sealed, heavy-duty containers.
- Remove Attractants: Clear your yard of brush, dense landscaping, and fallen fruit that might draw foraging wildlife.
If You Encounter a Coyote (Hazing is Key)
If you see a coyote, do not approach or feed it. Your immediate reaction should be to “haze” the animal to scare it away:
- Make Loud Noises: Yell, clap your hands, or use an air horn/whistle.
- Act Aggressive: Wave your arms and throw objects (stones, sticks) near the coyote.
- Report Sightings: If the coyote appears aggressive, injured, or refuses to leave, call the Ridgewood Police Department immediately.
Medical Warning: If you or your pet are bitten or scratched, seek medical care immediately to address the possibility of rabies exposure.
Join the new Saddle River Valley, Ramapo and Pascack Valley Communities Facebook group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1931704860512551/
#news #follow #media #trending #viral #newsupdate #currentaffairs #BergenCountyNews #NJBreakingNews #NJHeadlines #NJTopStories
One would think Ridgewood is safe, but coyotes do traverse railroad lines given their wooded borders and so even central Ridgewood could be exposed to coyote risk.
They are not native to New Jersey and suburban areas, , and they have to be treated as we do bears.
Beep-Beep!
One night I pulled out of a Bergen CC parking lots (nearest the pool) and I saw 2 coyotes perched on the golf course looking over at the college. It was just after dusk.
Coyote top speed is 43mph.
But do they shoot par?
Only on the dog legs!