PISCATAWAY, NJ - Police officials have been fielding reports of coyote sightings in the township over the past few weeks.

Original reports were of an aggressive coyote in and near the Rutgers Preserve on Livingston campus where at least two people were bitten. State wildlife officials closed the preserve for the investigation and capture of the coyote who has since been euthanized.

More recently “there have been recent coyote sightings in the areas of Wynnwood Avenue and Possumtown Road,” said Piscataway Police on Wednesday in a Facebook post.

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“A small dog was mauled by a coyote in one incident,” said police.

“If you see a coyote acting aggressively or out of the ordinary, do not approach the animal, instead contact the Piscataway Township Police Department at 732-562-1100.”

Related Article:

Piscataway: Rutgers Police Investigate Report of Aggressive Coyote Attack Near Livingston Campus Preserve

The New Jersey DEP offers the following tips about managing 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.

Related Articles:

Piscataway: Wildlife Officials Seek to Capture, Test Coyote Involved in Recent Attacks

Officials: Euthanized Coyote Did Not Have Rabies

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