New Coyote Sighting Sparks Warning in Ho-Ho-Kus: Is Your Pet Safe?
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
HO-HO-KUS, NJ — Residents are on high alert today after a coyote was spotted on the east side of town Wednesday morning. The sighting occurred in the vicinity of Boiling Spring Road and East Saddle River Road—the same area where a tragic attack claimed the life of a local pet just months ago.
The sighting serves as a chilling reminder for Bergen County residents following a string of aggressive coyote encounters this past fall.
A Pattern of High-Risk Encounters
This latest report follows a devastating incident in late October when a woman’s pet Shih Tzu was killed by a coyote in Ho-Ho-Kus. That attack was one of five coyote incidents reported across Bergen County between September and October.
The danger is not just to pets, but to public health:
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Rabies Concerns: In nearby Saddle River, a coyote captured in September after attacking two residents tested positive for rabies.
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Fatal Risks: Rabies is 100% fatal to both humans and animals if medical treatment isn’t administered immediately after exposure.
While Ho-Ho-Kus Police Captain Greg McBain confirmed that the specific coyote involved in the October dog attack has not been captured, there have been at least four subsequent sightings, including the one this Wednesday at approximately 10 a.m.
Police Response: “Awareness is Important”
Following previous criticism regarding the speed of public notifications, Ho-Ho-Kus police are now taking a proactive stance.
“Coyotes are naturally cautious and typically avoid people, but sightings increase during the winter months and awareness is important,” the department stated. “Let’s all agree this is one neighbor you don’t want stopping by.”
Coyote Safety Checklist: How to Protect Your Family
To keep the community safe, local authorities have released a set of essential safety protocols. If you live in the Ho-Ho-Kus or Saddle River area, follow these guidelines:
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Supervise Pets: Keep small dogs on a short leash and never leave them unattended in yards.
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Remove Attractants: Secure trash cans, avoid leaving pet food outside, and clean up fallen bird seed.
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Be Assertive: If you encounter a coyote, do not run. Make yourself look as large as possible, wave your arms, and make loud noises (hazing).
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Report Behavior: Immediately notify local police if you witness a coyote showing aggressive behavior or a lack of fear toward humans.
Join the new Saddle River Valley, Ramapo and Pascack Valley Communities Facebook group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1931704860512551/
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i saw what was either a fox or coyote on woodand by monroe a few days agp
Did you call the police?
Did you cry?
I‘ve seen the red coyotes several times. One time I even walked around with him and it was almost like he was a domesticated dog. He wasn’t afraid of me at all, and I wasn’t afraid of him.
If you just stay calm and don’t do something stupid they’re just looking for rabbits or chipmunks or some small little animals or some kind of garbage to eat. They’re not looking to make a meal out of a person. With all this high density housing that they’re gonna be putting in around the area you’ll be wishing to have some local wildlife here in the next few years instead of having to see animals at a zoo.