Bergen County Residents Warned To Be On Lookout For Coyotes

PARAMUS, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- Pet owners in Bergen County beware: The Sheriff's Office has issued a warning after recent coyote sightings.

As CBS2's Ali Bauman reported, coyotes have been spotted twice in the area this week.

"I've seen them myself," Sheriff Michael Saudino said. "I live in Emerson on the Paramus border."

One coyote was seen Tuesday in Saddle River Park, and another was spotted Thursday on the Bergen Community College golf course.

Saudino said one theory is that construction in the area is forcing the coyotes out of wooded areas.

The sheriff added that coyotes are not as much of a threat to humans as they are to their pets and that, if you see a coyote while walking your dog, pick the pet up and head the other way.

But Saudino said wild animals will face more trouble.

"May is the month deer will be giving birth to fawns," Saudino said. "They're at high risk. There's a lot of turkeys in the area. They're at risk, too."

One resident who was walking dogs reported seeing two coyotes near a bridge. The coyotes were aggressive and then later retreated, the resident said.

Eugene and Bella Solomonov walk through the park every day and say coyote spotting isn't stopping their strolls.

"Last year, we saw a couple coyotes and one bear," said Eugene Solomonov.

"I'm not afraid of coyotes," Bella Solomonov said. "They're afraid of me."

The sheriff says anyone who spots a coyote should call police.

To keep coyotes at bay, wildlife experts advise keeping trash containers sealed tight, removing bird feeders and clearing brush from around your property.