Coyote Captured in Teaneck Injured, Could be Released

The coyote captured by county animal control officers on Fenimore Road Monday morning may be released if wildlife experts can treat the animal for its injuries, according to the state Department of Environmental Protection.

The coyote will be taken to a state licensed rehabilitator, where a decision will be made if its injuries can be treated, DEP spokesman Bob Considine said Tuesday. If it is treatable, the animal will be released into the wild.

Police said they responded to what was first thought to be a fox laying in a nearby yard. The coyote was tranquilized by animal control officials and taken to the Bergen County Animal Shelter in Teterboro. 

It was not clear how the coyote was injured, but it was reported to be acting unusually and seen between two fences.

Coyotes sometimes attack small pets in urban and suburban areas, according to the state Division of Fish and Wildlife. Attacks are humans are “are extremely rare in eastern states.”

The state DEP offered the following tips for dealing 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.

 

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First published 9 a.m. Monday. Updated 3:30 p.m. Tuesday.