Coyote Possibly Roaming Hackettstown, Police Warn

HACKETTSTOWN, NJ — A possible coyote sighting was reported in Hackettstown earlier this week, Hackettstown police said.

The coyote was seen in the area of Morgan Terrace, Hurley Drive and Carol Drive on Wednesday, May 8. Police did not release any additional information about the sighting.

Coyotes are native to New Jersey, and are naturally afraid of humans. That can change if they are fed or can get into garbage. Coyotes cannot be relocated, because it just relocates the problem.

Usually coyotes are harmless, but they can carry rabies. The DEP has the following tips to reduce the likelihood of conflicts with coyotes:

• Never feed a coyote. Deliberately feeding coyotes puts pets and other residents in the neighborhood at risk.
• Feeding pet cats and/or feral (wild) cats outdoors can attract coyotes. The coyotes feed on the pet food and also prey upon the cats.
• Put garbage in tightly closed containers that cannot be tipped over.
• Remove sources of water, especially in dry climates.
• Bring pets in at night.
• Put away bird feeders at night to avoid attracting rodents and other coyote prey.
• Provide secure enclosures for rabbits, poultry, and other farm animals.
• Pick up fallen fruit and cover compost piles.
• Although extremely rare, coyotes have been known to attack humans. Parents should monitor their children, even in familiar surroundings, such as backyards.
• Install motion-sensitive lighting around the house.
• Clear brush and dense weeds from around dwellings - this reduces protective cover for coyotes and makes the area less attractive to rodents and rabbits. Coyotes, as well as other predators, are attracted to areas where rodents are concentrated like woodpiles.
• If coyotes are present, make sure they know they're not welcome. Make loud noises, blast a canned air siren, throw rocks, or spray them with a garden hose.