MAHWAH, N.J. (WABC) -- Police in Mahwah are trying to track down coyotes on the loose who killed nearly two dozen chickens in the town last week.
Authorities say they have received numerous calls of coyote sightings recently in residential areas adjacent to the Ramapo Mountains, including areas of Fardale, Rio Vista and homes along Route 202.
Last week a resident reported he had found that about 23 chickens housed on his property had been killed and their remains scattered in the field.
Some of the chickens had broken necks and others had puncture wounds.
Animal control officers determined that the chickens were killed by one more coyotes.
Coyotes are often known to travel in packs.
Police say they have received 10 to 12 calls of coyote sightings, prompting them to issue advisories to local residents.