A coyote was seen near the Fairfield Recreational Center on June 17, 2020 at 8:30pm. A resident was walking and noticed a coyote staring, then following her for a brief period of time. A car drove passed the area a short time later, scaring the coyote away. The police department is aware and has extra patrols out in the area, especially during the dawn and dusk hours. For more information on how to stay safe, please visit the town web site, www.fairfieldnj.org. If you see a coyote please call 911 immediately.
Coyote Precautions:
The following guidelines can help reduce the likelihood of conflicts with coyotes:
If you plan on going out for a walk, we suggest walking in groups and not walking alone.
If coyotes are present, make sure they know they're not welcome. Make loud noises, carry a whistle, blast a canned air siren, throw rocks, or spray them with a garden hose.
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.
Coyotes are typically secretive animals not often seen or heard. Yet there are times during the year when they are more visible and more vocal. Although usually nocturnal, coyotes can be seen any time of day, especially during the breeding season from late January into early March. Vocalizations, consisting of howls, yips and barks, also increase at this time.
More information can be found here, on the NJ Department of Fish and Game website: https://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/coyote_info.htm If you see a coyote, please dial 9-1-1 from a safe location and we will respond immediately.
Thank you.
Authorized by Chief Manna
