RARITAN TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Hunterdon County) — Township officials are urging residents to use caution at Mine Brook Park following a reported coyote encounter involving a person walking a dog.
According to Raritan Township officials, the incident occurred July 15 when a park visitor reported seeing a coyote on the opposite side of the footbridge along the trail that parallels the stream.
The coyote reportedly ran toward the individual but did not make contact with the person or the dog.
Officials are reminding visitors to keep pets on a short leash while using the park. If a coyote is encountered, people should slowly back away while making loud noises to scare the animal away. Officials advise against running, as doing so may trigger the coyote’s instinct to pursue prey.
Residents also are encouraged to be assertive by shouting or throwing objects if necessary to reinforce coyotes’ natural fear of humans.
Anyone who encounters a coyote at one of Raritan Township’s parks or elsewhere in the township is asked to report it to the Raritan Township Police Department by calling 908-782-8889.
