Coyote Spotted In East Hanover Sunday Afternoon

EAST HANOVER, NJ — A coyote was spotted roaming around East Hanover Sunday afternoon by a Patch reader.

Michael Benson spotted the coyote on Lucianna Lane over the weekend. In the photos, you can see the coyote appears to be running circles in a yard. Coyotes sightings are not particularly unusual; the animal lives in all of New Jersey's counties, but has the densest population in the Skylands area.

Usually coyotes are harmless, but they can cary rabies. The DEP has the following tips to reduce the likelihood of conflicts 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.

Have you seen a coyote or other unusual animal in your backyard? Send photos and video to EastHanover-FlorhamPark@Patch.com.

Image via Michael Benson