Coyote Spotted in Middlesex County

Middlesex, NJ - As we all know, bear sightings are nothing new in mid-summer in New Jersey. And now, a coyote has been spotted in Middlesex County, in the borough of Middlesex.

Middlesex borough police said on Friday they have received numerous calls reporting sightings of either a fox or a coyote. Coyote sightings are not unheard of in July and August in Central Jersey: In July of 2015, multiple coyotes were seen in Spotswood, East Brunswick and Monroe. A 17-year-old fishing had to fight off a coyote that tried to steal chicken livers he was using as bait near DeVoe Lake last July. In May of 2015, coyotes were seen multiple times in East Brunswick. A coyote also made his way up from the Jersey Shore and was roaming around Sandy Hook Gateway National Recreation Area this past January. Coyotes have been seen many times in Bergen County, and there is even one said to be living in the Meadowlands.

"We have received photographs of the animal, but they do not allow for conclusive identification of the species," Middlesex police said in a public safety warning they sent out Friday.

Here are some tips from the NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife if you see a coyote:

• Never feed a coyote. Deliberately feeding coyotes puts pets and other residents in the neighborhood at risk.
• Although extremely rare, coyotes have been known to attack humans. Parents should monitor their children, even in familiar surroundings, such as backyards.
• 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, such as 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.
• 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.

Stock image of a coyote