Second Coyote Attack This Week Claims Life Of Family Dog

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — The same week that two coyotes bit residents of Bergen County, a third family has reported an attack.

Police in Ho-Ho-Kus said Wednesday night that a coyote killed a family dog earlier in the week.

The police gave details only because residents heard of the incident and began asking why the town didn't send out alerts or messages, they said.

On Monday and Tuesday, two coyote attacks were reported in the nearby towns of Saddle River and Woodcliff Lake, respectively.

Wednesday. night, Ho-Ho-Kus police said in a message, "In recent weeks you may have heard of coyote attacks in surrounding towns against humans while walking their dogs. Sadly, earlier this week in Ho-Ho-Kus, a beloved family dog was attacked in its own backyard and succumbed to its injuries."

Police explained that they didn't sent an alert earlier because the situation was different.

"First, the police were alerted three hours after the attack when the family returned home from the animal hospital," they said. "Second, thecoyote had been scared off by the dog’s owner and had already left the area, so there was no immediate threat."

Police said that in the other cases, the coyotes were still in the area and "remained a threat."

"Had the threat been imminent or an ongoing dangerous situation, rest assured an alert would have been sent!" they said.

Although rabies is considered rare in coyotes, two of the coyotes recently captured in Saddle River have tested positive for the virus, which is nearly almost fatal when transmitted to humans or other animals.

People who are bitten or scratched must seek treatment quickly, officials say.

On Monday, a housekeeper in Woodcliff Lake and the family golden retriever were bitten while in their yard. READ MORE: Coyote Attacks Woman, Dog In Woodcliff Lake

On Tuesday afternoon, a man doing work in his yard in Saddle River was attacked. That animal was killed by police and determined to have rabies.

"Fall is the time of year when juvenile coyotes begin to leave the pack," Ho-Ho-Kus officials said. "Sightings are more common now and in January and March during the mating season. We encourage residents to report any coyote sightings to the police 201-652-1700, especially if the animal is acting strange or not scared off. Both our Police Department and animal control continue to monitor the situation throughout the region."

Coyote Precautions

The state says, "Although extremely rare, coyotes have been known to attack humans. Parents should monitor their children, even in familiar surroundings, such as backyards."

Those who see a coyote acting aggressively should contact their local police. In addition, the state Department of Environmental Protection said anyone who sees a coyote in the daytime that shows no fear of humans should contact the Division of Fish and Wildlife at 908-735-8793; outside of normal business hours call the DEP Hotline at 877-WARN-DEP.

More coyote advice from the state of New Jersey is here.

Find out about the signs and symptoms of rabies here.

READ MORE: Coyote Euthanized After 2 Attacks In Saddle River