NJ Dog Missing After Suspected Coyote Attack During Mating Season

Suspected Coyote Attack in Saddle River

• 💔 A small dog named Gigi is missing after possibly being snatched by a coyote in Saddle River, New Jersey.
• 🌲 The incident occurred when the dog was left unattended in a backyard surrounded by dense woods and marshland.
• 📹 The owner discovered the dog was missing and heard coyote howls on video surveillance footage.

Coyote Behavior and Warnings

• ⚠️ Animal control has issued a warning about aggressive coyotes, particularly during their mating season from January through March.
• 🚨 During this period, male coyotes are described as hyperaggressive.
• 🚫 Residents are advised not to leave pets or small children unattended outdoors.

Safety Precautions for Residents

• 🚶‍♀️ Authorities recommend carrying a stick to ward off potential coyote encounters when walking in affected areas.
• 🪵 Residents should avoid leaving food outdoors, as it can attract coyotes and create danger.
• 🏠 Coyotes are also attracted to wood piles, where they can find rodents.

Past Incidents and Ongoing Search

• 🤕 A resident in Saddle River was previously bitten multiple times by a coyote and required rabies treatment.
• 🔍 The search for Gigi is ongoing, with animal control officers conducting searches in the area.
• 🌳 The coyote involved in the latest incident was reportedly spotted in Woodcliffe Lake last fall.