Coyote steals dog in Randolph

RANDOLPH – A coyote attacked and apparently killed a dog in a resident’s back yard, police said.

Officers responded to a residence on Doby Road in the Ironia section of the township on April 28 after they received a report about a coyote attacking a dog, police said.

Officers met with the homeowner who stated that around 10 p.m., her dog, a Yorki, who had just been let outside in the backyard, was attacked by a coyote. The coyote then ran into the woods with the dog in its mouth, according to a press release from Detective Lt. Christopher Giuliani, a police department spokesman.

Officers searched the woods with an officer from animal control, but were unable to locate the coyote or the dog, the release said.

Police contacted the state Fish and Wildlife department and were told that this is the time of year when coyotes give birth and generally act more aggressive. They also stated that it is not uncommon for pets to come in contact with the a coyotes at this time of the year.

Larry Hana, a spokesman for the Department of Environmental Protection, said his office doesn’t keep track of coyote attacks on animals.

“They are predators,” Hana said. “Their primary source of food is small rodents, mice, rabbits, but its not unheard of for a coyote to take a small dog or cat.”

Police said they have been notified recently of several coyote sightings in and around the township. Coyote sightings seem to be on the rise this year; a man and his dog in Saddle Brook were attacked as was a dog in Norwood. Police in Manhattan captured a coyote last month as well.

Randolph updated its web site to include tips for homeowners and pet owners to safeguard their property and pets. The following are those tips:

•Never feed a coyote. Deliberately feeding coyotes puts pets and other residents in the neighborhood at risk.

•Feeding pet cats and/or feral 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.

•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.

•If you observe a coyote in the daytime that shows no fear of humans or if a coyote attacks a person, immediately contact the police department and the Division of Fish and Wildlife at 908.735.8793. During evenings and weekends, residents should call New Jersey’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Hotline at (877) WARN-DEP.