Numerous reports have emerged recently of coyote attacks on small animals that many keep as pets – including dogs and cats.   What is most disturbing is that nothing is being done about this.   As construction in Northern New Jersey increases, the land where wild animals live such as bears and coyotes is disappearing.   Through displacement of their “normal” environment, these animals seek shelter and hunt by different means in new places.   For all pet owners this is their worst fear realized…their pets and loved ones could become their prey.

For pet owners in the Smoke Rise complex in Kinnelon, New Jersey there is cause for alarm.  Last week, a pet Pug was killed right in its own backyard by a coyote. By the time Sandra Lopez went outside to check on her dog’s screams, she found Elsie in the mouth of a vicious coyote.   Elsie’s remains were found later in a nearby neighborhood by a maintenance crew, and police were dispatched for an investigation. Unfortunately this is not the first occurrence, and will most likely not be the last.   Other occurrences have been reported in Smoke Rise, however most have not been substantiated by finding remains.  Last August, a small dog was killed in Sparta, and some animals have gone missing recently in Mountain Lakes.  Please be sure to take caution and use judgment when leaving your pets unattended outside. This will be especially critical in the coming months as food becomes scarce for these displaced predators.   While many criticize the wild animals and particularly the coyotes, they are simply acting on their natural instincts of survival.  This is of little consolation to the owners of their victims though.

One option for worried pet owners is to utilize a pet sitter for dog walking and exercise.  Owners may choose not to do this themselves due to the coming Winter’s cold.   Coyotes are afraid of people, and a pet sitter is a good guardian to have as a protector for your loved ones.    In addition, if you have indoor/outdoor cats, please think twice before allowing them to continue roaming outside.  Whatever you do as pet owners, remember to take every precaution to ensure your loved ones are safe in these difficult times.