Coyote Killed After Attacking Mother, Child In New Jersey Park
FAIRFIELD, N.J. (CBSNewYork) – Police in New Jersey say they have found and killed the coyote that attacked a woman and her young son Thursday evening.
The Fairfield Police Department reports that the coyote struck in Hollywood Avenue Park. The coyote was reportedly following a 37-year-old woman, who was pushing her four-year-old in a stroller, when the animal lunged at her around 7 p.m.
Authorities say the mother and the stroller were knocked over and the woman was bitten on the leg. The coyote then reportedly went after the child in the stroller, biting him on the leg as well.
Other park goers were able to chase the animal off and police closed the park.
At around 8:30 p.m. police say Sgt. Frank Tracey spotted the animal near Big Piece Road. When the coyote began to "aggressively approach" Tracey, the officer shot and killed the animal.
The Associated Humane Society is running tests to see if the coyote had rabies.
"The Fairfield Police Department is still cautioning all residents in the area of Big Piece Road and all those who use the recreation complex that they still need to exercise great caution when walking around their yards or in the park" Chief Anthony Manna said Thursday night.
