Following Coyote Attacks, Ramapo Reservation Remains Closed

MAHWAH, NJ - Following a pair of coyote attacks over the weekend at Ramapo Valley County Reservation, the 4,000-acre park remains closed.

In a message posted on the county’s website, the public was asked to avoid visiting the reservation until further notice. Local residents were also advised to keep pets indoors for the time being.

Michael Pagan, a spokesman for the county, said, "The Reservation has been closed for the rest of the week by the Fish & Wildlife conservation police -- or until they capture the animal."

After a woman and dog were injured in a separate coyote attacks on Saturday, authorities closed down the popular park. It is not known if the same coyote is responsible for the two attacks.

In August, a Mahwah woman was bitten several times by a coyote but she was ultimately able to force the coyote away by striking it with a baseball bat, police said.

Safety tips, according to the New Jersey State Division of Fish and Wildlife
• If you encounter a coyote, be as big and loud as possible.
• Do not run or turn your back.
• Make sure garbage cans are secured and no food is left out to attract coyotes.
• Do not leave small pets outside.
• If residents spot a coyote, call 911 immediately.