Coyote Attack In NJ Suburb

The Daily Mail reports on a coyote attack in the yard of a home in Woodcliff Lake, NJ, injuring both a pet dog and a housekeeper before being scared off by the homeowner.  The article also relates:

    This and other recent coyote attacks have led the Woodcliff Lake Police Department and New Jersey Fish and Wildlife to issue a public warning to residents of the area. 

    The departments have said not to leave children or pets unattended outside, especially at dawn or dusk. 

    They also told residents to secure their trash and discourage prey by removing bird feeders, picking up fallen fruit and covering compost piles. 

    'If you live near a wooded area, that's where you got to be more aware of your surroundings, because obviously they lurk in heavily brushed areas,' said Woodcliff Lake Police Captain Chad Malloy. 

    When encountering a coyote, officials recommend making loud noise, waving your arms, spraying water and to not turn your back or run.

    Captain Malloy said coyote attacks in the area are rare, but just a day after Monday's incident, there was another similar attack in a neighboring town. There were also two other coyote attacks in the area last month.   

If making load noises, waving your arms, or spraying water is all people are allowed to do to defend against coyotes, it's no wonder they aren't afraid of humans.