Coyote Attack Claims Beloved Family Dog in Ho-Ho-Kus Backyard; Police Address Public Alert Concerns
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ho-Ho-Kus NJ, A heartbreaking incident has put Ho-Ho-Kus residents on high alert after a beloved family dog was fatally attacked by a coyote in its own backyard earlier this week. This tragedy follows recent reports of aggressive coyote encounters in surrounding North Jersey towns.
Concerned residents have questioned why a public alert or warning was not immediately issued by police. Ho-Ho-Kus officials provided context, explaining that this specific incident lacked the key factor for an immediate alert: an imminent, ongoing threat.
- No Immediate Threat: The attack was reported to police three hours after it occurred, when the family returned home from the animal hospital. Crucially, the coyote was scared off by the dog’s owner and had already left the area.
- Alert Protocol: Police confirmed that alerts are reserved for situations where coyotes remain in the area and pose an ongoing danger to humans or pets. “Had the threat been imminent or an ongoing dangerous situation—rest assured an alert would have been sent!” officials stated.
Why You’re Seeing More Coyotes Now: Fall and Mating Season
Coyote sightings are becoming more common in the region, particularly during certain times of the year:
- Fall Dispersal: Fall is the primary time when juvenile coyotes leave their pack to seek out new territory.
- Mating Season: Sightings also increase sharply between January and March during the coyote mating season.
The Ho-Ho-Kus Police Department (201-652-1700) and Animal Control continue to monitor the regional situation. Residents are strongly encouraged to report any coyote sighting, especially if the animal appears strange, is acting bold, or is not easily scared off.
Actionable Safety Guide: How to Deal with Coyotes Near Your Home
The most critical safety measure is to disabuse coyotes of the idea that your residence is a safe or food-rich area. Once they become unafraid or aggressive toward people, the behavior is nearly impossible to reverse.
What to Do If You See a Coyote (Hazing)
If you observe a coyote near your home, use hazing techniques from a safe place to scare it away:
- Be Big & Loud: Yell at the coyote while waving your arms above your head to appear larger.
- Make Noise: Use whistles, air horns, or even bang pots and pans together.
- Throw Objects: Throw inedible objects (rocks, sticks) in the direction of the coyote—do not try to hit it.
- Slow Retreat: If the coyote approaches, slowly back away while continuing to make noise. Move toward buildings or human activity if possible.
- Carry Deterrents: When walking your pet, carry a whistle, umbrella, or an air horn. Do not leave children or small pets unattended outside.
To Discourage Future Coyote Visits (Remove Attractants)
Make your property boring and unwelcoming to wild animals:
- Eliminate Food Sources: STOP feeding wildlife entirely.
- Secure Trash: Keep trash inside until the morning of pickup or use heavy, animal-proof containers.
- Pet Food: If you feed pets outside, remove their bowls immediately afterwards. Never leave pet food out overnight.
- Bird Feeders: Remove bird feeders and clean up fallen seed, as this attracts small mammals that are coyote prey.
- Clear Debris: Clear brushy areas close to your home that offer cover. Remove fallen fruit from trees.
- Close Gaps: Close all openings under and into sheds or decks to prevent their use as den sites.
Remember: Most wildlife avoids people. Always respect the animal, maintain your distance, and only react if the animal is behaving unnaturally or aggressively.
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Was reported to police after it happened on 10/19. They responded 8:00 AM when it was reported to them by owners returning from the vet. I’m only hearing about it now on 10/23 8 AM and only from Ridgewood Blog
Why no alert to HHK residents on call-out phone list?
““Had the threat been imminent or an ongoing dangerous situation—rest assured an alert would have been sent!” officials stated.”
Another question for James J. Tedesco County Executive: is he aware of it?; is there a plan? what’s the plan?
We’ve had Saddle River, Wood Cliff Lake and now HHK with coyote attacks this month. I’m not “resting assured” that our locals are handling the safety concerns. Home rule is fine, but do the coyotes know something?
A HHK friend corrects me to say there was a notice to residents yesterday. Thank you HHK PD and Borough personnel.
Be very careful in wooded parks. We NO longer walk through Habernickel or the trails there. Coyotes and Bear love and follow water.
Beware at habernickel. They also have open vegetables and fruit. All a lute for wild animals
I guess this won’t be taken seriously until a coyote mauls a child….
no money in it
Coyotes lives matter!
With this headline you would think a human being was killed…inaccurate clickbait