Coyotes Seen Along Monmouth County Coast

Officials have issued a coyote advisory, as there have been several sightings throughout the central coastal areas of the county.

The coyote sightings are not localized with any specific neighborhood, according to the advisory issued by Regional Health Commission #1.

The Regional Health Commission declined to reveal which municipalities coyotes have been seen in. Spokeswoman Sandra VanSant said that coyotes could travel for several miles so everyone should be alert.

Coyotes are a wild member of the dog family and closely resemble a small German Shepherd, the advisory said. But the animal has a long snout and a bushy, black-tipped tail. The coyotes tail falls below a horizontal position while it stands, walks and runs.

Adult coyotes generally range in weight from 20 to 50 pounds. Large coyotes can weigh as much as 55 pounds.

Eastern coyotes, found in the New Jersey area, vary in color — blonde, red, black and gray.

The Monmouth County Regional Health Commission advises residents to take the following precautions:

• Never feed a coyote. This puts pets and other residents in the neighborhood at risk.
• Do not feed pet cats and/or feral cats outside. This can attract coyotes, which will eat the cat food and prey upon the cats.
• Put away bird feeders at night, and remove seed that has fallen to the ground without delay.
• Do not place or throw food on the ground in an attempt to feed birds.
• Pick up fallen fruit and cover compost piles; keep garbage in tightly closed containers.
• Provide secure enclosures for rabbits, poultry and other farm animals.
• Do not leave pets outside unattended, especially at night. Walk your dog on a leash.
• Clear brush and dense weeds from around dwellings. This will reduce protective cover for coyotes and make the area less attractive to rodents and rabbits.
• Install motion-sensitive lighting around the exterior property.
• Parents should monitor their children at all times, even in familiar settings, such as backyards. Although extremely rare, coyotes have been known to attack humans.
• If coyotes are present, make sure they know they’re not welcome. Make loud noises, throw rocks or spray them with a garden hose.
• When going outside to walk or job, be sure to have something on you (air horn, whistle, etc.) to scare a coyote away.
• If a coyote is observed in the daytime shows no fear of human, exhibits aggressive behavior, or attacks a person, call the police immediately.