Coyote Encounters on the Increase in New Jersey

Coyotes were not always native of New Jersey and other places, but this very adaptable animal has extended its range north and east across Canada from its original range the mid-west.

There are stories in the news about coyote interactions in our state
A woman and a dog were injured this month in separate coyote attacks in Ramapo Valley County Reservation in Mahwah. Township police and the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office closed the reservation that afternoon. It was not known if the separate attacks were done by the same coyote, but coyote attacks are not rare in the township. In August, a woman walking in Mahwah encountered a coyote that was initially chasing a deer but then stopped and bit her twice.

This is not a new thing. The first record of a coyote in New Jersey was documented near Lambertville, Hunterdon County in 1939. The species may have bred with gray wolves, emerged into the New England states and extended its range south through New Jersey. However, evidence also suggests at least some coyotes were imported from western states by people. NJ Fish and Wildlife has never imported coyotes for any reason at any time into our state.

The strain of coyote (or coywolf) has more variations in fur color and is actually of a larger body size than their western counterpart. Color variations in NJ eastern coyotes range from the typical “western” coyote gray-tan through almost white to reddish to black. And, everything in between.

In New Jersey, adult males generally weigh between 35 and 40 pounds, with a few animals in the 45 to 50-pound range. Females generally weigh about 5 pounds less, in the 30-35 pound range.

At a distance, the coyote looks similar to a German Shepherd, but when viewed up-close you can see it has a thinner muzzle and fox-like "brush" tail that are distinctive.

Sightings of coyotes have increased throughout New Jersey since the 1990s because of the coyote’s ability to co-exist with man, and to adapt to different habitat types and food sources.

Coyotes have been documented in all 21 New Jersey counties.

When encountering a coyote, Township police have advised people to not turn their backs to the animal. Instead, make noise and throw small sticks to scare the coyote away.

If you encounter a coyote. DO NOT TURN YOUR BACK & RUN Make yourself as big and loud as possible, throw small sticks to scare them away and call 9-1-1.

As with bears and other wildlife, it is best to keep your pets inside, and secure your trash receptacles.