Coyote tests positive for rabies; fourth dog killed in New Jersey attacks.

A recent coyote attack in Saddle River, New Jersey, has raised alarm among local residents following confirmation that the animal tested positive for rabies. According to Media News Source, the incident occurred on a Tuesday evening at approximately 6:30 p.m. when a man, while working in his yard, was knocked to the ground and bitten several times by the aggressive animal.

The coyote was subsequently euthanized at the scene, and medical personnel transported the bites victim to a local hospital. Thankfully, the man’s injuries were deemed non-life-threatening, but the incident underscores a growing concern regarding coyote encounters in suburban neighborhoods. Following the attack, officials conducted testing on the coyote, which confirmed its rabies status, intensifying the urgency surrounding wildlife interactions in the area.

Unsettlingly, this incident was not an isolated occurrence. On the same day, another resident of Saddle River was reportedly bitten by a coyote while on a ladder outside his home. Though officials have yet to ascertain whether the two attacks were carried out by the same animal, they expressed skepticism about a connection, indicating that different coyotes may be responsible for the incidents.

This wave of coyote-related confrontations follows closely after another recent attack in Woodcliff Lake, located approximately three miles east of Saddle River. In this earlier incident, a resident and a pet dog were attacked, prompting further concern in the community. Additionally, a fourth incident was reported in Ho-Ho-Kus, where a coyote killed a pet dog. In that case, officials did not issue a public alert since the coyote vacated the area after being scared away by the dog’s owner.

In light of these alarming events, the Saddle River police have issued a statement urging residents to remain vigilant about their surroundings, particularly when outdoors with pets and children. Authorities emphasize the importance of promptly reporting any sightings of sick or aggressive wildlife to ensure community safety. They also advise that individuals who suffer bites or scratches from animals seek immediate medical attention to mitigate health risks associated with potential rabies exposure.

As the presence of coyotes in suburban areas continues to pose challenges, heightened awareness and precautionary measures are crucial for residents’ safety.