Coyote attack believed to be responsible for missing dog in Saddle River; police warning residents
SADDLE RIVER, New Jersey (WABC) -- Police in New Jersey have an urgent wildlife warning for residents after a dog was believed to be attacked, and snatched by a coyote in Saddle River on Wednesday.
Saddle River Police believe a coyote may have grabbed a resident's dog and pulled it into the woods on Burning Hallow Road.
The dog was left alone in the yard and disappeared, and the owner heard the sound of coyotes on their video cameras.
Officials say the small dog has not been recovered, and Tyco Animal Control is investigating.
This is a very wealthy section of Saddle River where the mansion-size homes are surrounded by trees, thick brush, marsh and woods.
Saddle River Police are now urging residents to use caution, and to never leave pets or children outside unattended.
"Take your dog, especially if it's small, on a leash," said resident Sabrina Segatta. "Make sure it's not out. And even with small children."
Last fall, a resident was bitten by a coyote multiple times in Saddle River and had to be treated for rabies.
Right around the same time, a woman was attacked by a a coyote while she was outside with the family dog in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey. The animal pounced on a 31-year-old housekeeper, leaving her with open wounds on her shoulder, arm, back and leg, while she was with a golden retriever in the backyard.
A resident says he heard about the latest dog attack and has seen coyotes in the area.
"I have seen them running from my house to the neighbors' property, but more like evening time, and they were just running across, I didn't see them attack but I heard yesterday that someone was attacked," said Saddle River resident, Sanjay Kapoor.
They say coyote mating season, January through March, is in effect and that male coyotes can become more aggressive during this period.
Officials say that if you have pets, walk them on a leash, and carry an item of protection, such as an air horn, whistle or a stick in the event you run into aggressive wildlife.
Additional guidelines can help reduce the likelihood of conflicts with coyotes:
If you observe coyotes in the daytime that show no fear of humans or if a coyote attacks a person, immediately contact your local police and the Division of Fish and Wildlife at 908-735-8793; outside of normal business hours call the DEP Hotline at 877-WARN-DEP.
More details and guidelines can be found on the state's website.
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