Coyote Sighting in Leonia: How to Stay Safe in the Heart of Bergen County
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Leonia NJ, While Leonia, New Jersey, is just a stone’s throw from the George Washington Bridge and the Manhattan skyline, a recent visitor has reminded residents that the area still has a wild side.
On March 20, 2026, the Leonia Police Department issued a wildlife alert after a coyote was captured on video strolling through a residential backyard near Grandview Avenue. The footage shows the animal effortlessly hopping a fence and navigating the morning fog, a sight that has put local homeowners on high alert.
video:
https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1KQyWAjP4Q/
The Reality of Coyotes in New Jersey
It is a common misconception that coyotes only inhabit rural woods. According to the NJ Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), coyotes are now found in all 21 New Jersey counties.
While they play a vital role in our ecosystem by controlling rodent populations, their presence in suburban neighborhoods requires a “safety-first” mindset. Fortunately, coyote attacks on humans remain extremely rare. However, recent history in Bergen County—including a rabies-related incident in Saddle River—serves as a reminder to remain vigilant.
12 Expert Tips for Coyote Safety
The NJ Fish & Wildlife division recommends the following precautions to reduce the likelihood of conflicts and keep the “wild” out of your backyard:
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Never Feed Wildlife: Deliberately feeding coyotes is dangerous and attracts them to human habitats.
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Manage Outdoor Pet Food: Avoid feeding cats outdoors; coyotes are attracted to both the food and the cats themselves.
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Secure Your Trash: Use tightly closed containers that cannot be tipped over.
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Bring Pets Inside: Always bring cats and dogs indoors at night.
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Nighttime Bird Feeder Maintenance: Remove bird feeders at night to avoid attracting the rodents that coyotes prey upon.
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Protect Livestock: Provide secure, predator-proof enclosures for rabbits and poultry.
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Clean Up the Yard: Pick up fallen fruit and keep compost piles covered.
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Supervise Children: Parents should monitor children even in familiar settings like fenced-in backyards.
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Install Motion Lighting: Motion-sensitive lights can deter nocturnal visitors.
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Clear Brush: Removing dense weeds and woodpiles reduces hiding spots for both coyotes and their prey.
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Use “Hazing” Techniques: If you see a coyote, make sure it feels unwelcome. Make loud noises, use a canned air siren, or spray it with a garden hose.
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Report Unusual Behavior: If a coyote shows no fear of humans during the day, contact local authorities immediately.
Who to Call
If you observe a coyote acting aggressively or showing signs of illness, or if an encounter occurs, contact:
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Leonia Police Department: (Local Emergency/Non-Emergency Lines)
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NJ Fish and Wildlife: 908-735-8793
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DEP Hotline (24/7): 877-WARN-DEP
For more detailed information on local wildlife patterns, visit the NJ Fish & Wildlife Coyote Page.
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