newjerseynewsroom.com

BY TERI GATTO

NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM

A miniature pinscher was attacked and killed by a coyote in a park in Sussex County at 8:30 a.m. Monday. According to the police, the dog and his owner, an unidentified 22-year-old man from Sparta, were walking on a hiking trail in Sparta Glen Park when the unleashed dog ran about 100 yards ahead. The dog owner heard animals fighting and ran towards the sound where he found a large coyote standing over the fatally injured pet. According to police, the 20-pound pincher suffered wounds to its abdomen and died within minutes of the attack. The coyote fled when the dog's owner reached the scene.

Sparta police Sgt. John-Paul Beebe believes that this is the first coyote-dog attack to take place in the area and warns pet owners to beware. "We have a large population of bears and coyotes," he told NJ.com. "Small dogs and cats can be considered prey. Please keep your pets leashed when not on your own property."

NJ.com reported that officials have decided to not close the park because the owner and dog wandered deep into the coyote's territory.

According to the state Division of Fish and Wildlife, coyotes have greatly expanded their range and are now found throughout New Jersey. The eastern coyote is larger than its western counterpart, weighing about 40 lbs and range in color from blonde to black.

In 2007, in separate incidents, coyotes tried to drag off two children in Monmouth Country. Wildlife officials described these incidents as the first known predatory attacks by coyotes. "A coyote attack on people is extremely rare," said Larry Hajna, a spokesman for the state Department of Environmental Protection, according to NJ.com. Wildlife officials estimate that New Jersey is home to 3,000 to 5,000 coyotes.

Coyote Precautions

The following guidelines are from the state Division of Fish and Wildlife:

• 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.

If you observe coyotes in the daytime that show no fear of humans or if a coyote attacks a person or pet, immediately contact your local police and the Division of Fish and Wildlife at 908-735-8793; outside of normal business hours call the DEP Hotline at 877-WARN-DEP.