🚨 Wildlife Warning: Wyckoff to Host Emergency Seminar After String of Coyote and Fox Attacks
photo courtesy of the Ho-Ho-Kus Police Department in the area of Boiling Springs Rd & East Saddle River Rd
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Wyckoff NJ, After a series of aggressive coyote encounters and a recent fox attack that left Bergen County residents on edge, local officials are stepping in. The Wyckoff Board of Health has announced a high-priority community seminar, “Living Safely with Wildlife,” to help families protect their children and pets from increasingly bold predators.
This move comes as a response to a spike in wildlife incidents across North Jersey, including several cases where animals tested positive for rabies.
Event Details: Mark Your Calendar
The seminar will provide actionable safety tips and state-level insights on coexisting with New Jersey’s apex predators.
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Date: Thursday, February 19, 2026
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Time: 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
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Location: Shotmeyer Room, Wyckoff Public Library
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Keynote Speaker: Carol Tyler, NJ Certified Animal Control Officer
A Growing Crisis: Recent Attacks in Bergen County
The seminar follows a terrifying timeline of events that have plagued the region since last fall:
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Saddle River (January 2026): Just last week, police reported a coyote snatched a small dog from a yard on Burning Hollow Road and dragged it into the woods. The dog has not been recovered.
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Montvale (December 2025): A resident on Bryan Drive was bitten by a fox and required immediate medical treatment at Pascack Valley Medical Center.
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Ho-Ho-Kus (October 2025): A pet Shih Tzu was tragically killed in its owner’s yard by a coyote that remains at large.
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Rabies Concerns: Since September, at least six coyote attacks have been reported in Bergen County. Two of the coyotes involved in Saddle River attacks tested positive for rabies, a fatal virus if not treated immediately.
Coyote Mating Season: Why Males Are More Aggressive Now
Local police departments are issuing urgent reminders that January through March is coyote mating season in New Jersey. During this window, male coyotes become highly territorial and aggressive.
Expert Advice: If you are bitten or scratched by a wild animal, contact a medical professional immediately. Rabies treatment is highly effective but must be administered before symptoms appear.
Top 5 Safety Tips for Residents
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Never Leave Pets Unattended: Even in fenced backyards, small dogs are targets for coyotes and foxes.
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Use Hazing Tools: Carry an air horn, whistle, or a “hazing stick” when walking your dog to scare off approaching wildlife.
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Secure Your Trash: Use animal-proof containers to avoid attracting rodents, which in turn attract predators.
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No Outdoor Feeding: Stop feeding stray cats or leaving pet food outside; this is the #1 way to “invite” coyotes into your neighborhood.
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Maintain Your Yard: Clear brush and dense weeds around your home to eliminate hiding spots for predators and their prey.
Join the new Saddle River Valley, Ramapo and Pascack Valley Communities Facebook group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1931704860512551/
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