The Cranbury Police Department has reported two recent complaints about coyotes in the village and Chief Rickey Varga is suggesting residents be aware of what to do should they see the animals on their property.
Chief Varga said there was one reported sighting in early September and another at the end of the month on the west side of the township. The animals were seen but “in neither circumstance was the animal perceived as threatening.”
In a town like Cranbury the chief said it is important to remember that wildlife is all around but that does not mean the animals are a danger to humans. “Here in Cranbury, we are still partly an agricultural community,” he said. “Residents should be mindful that we share our world with an abundance of wildlife.”
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When dealing with Coyotes the chief provided the following safety tips:
Never feed coyotes/wildlife - Feeding endangers your family and neighbors as it lures coyotes into neighborhoods.
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Keep unattended cats and dogs indoors at night.
Accompany your leashed pet outside at night. Make sure you turn on lights if it is dark to check your backyard for unexpected wildlife.
Keep dogs on short leashes while walking outside; the Division of Wildlife recommends a leash no longer than 6 feet.
Leave noisemakers on hand to scare away coyotes or other wildlife that may enter your yard or confront you while walking, such as whistles and horns.
Don't run away or turn your back on a coyote.
Yell, clap hands, blow a whistle and try to make yourself look larger if you have a close encounter with a coyote.
Report any sightings and strange or aggressive wildlife behavior immediately. Sick or rabid animals can be the most unpredictable and dangerous.
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