Coyote Sightings Up In Morris Plains: What You Can Do

MORRIS PLAINS, NJ — With coronavirus restrictions winding down, it's getting easier for people to visit Morris County. But Morris Plains residents have seen a different type of company: coyotes.

Morris Plains police have received an increase in calls regarding coyote sightings.

Coyotes play an important role in the ecosystem, according to the New Jersey Division of Fish & Wildlife. But the agency advises people to take precautions to reduce the likelihood of conflict 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.

Coyotes have been documented in nearly 400 towns in all 21 counties — nearly 94 percent of the state's land area. They primarily hunt rodents and rabbits for food, but will take advantage of what's available, including trash, pet food and domestic animals left unattended.

If you see a coyote in the daytime that shows no fear of humans, or if a coyote attacks a person, contact your local police department of the Division of Fish & Wildlife at 908-735-8793.

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