NEW JERSEY - Residents across several New Jersey counties are on high alert following a wave of "brazen" predator sightings in residential areas. While the Garden State is no stranger to wildlife, recent encounters with aggressive coyotes and curious black bears have prompted local police and wildlife officials to issue urgent safety warnings.
NEW JERSEY - Residents across several New Jersey counties are on high alert following a wave of "brazen" predator sightings in residential areas. While the Garden State is no stranger to wildlife, recent encounters with aggressive coyotes and curious black bears have prompted local police and wildlife officials to issue urgent safety warnings.From Bergen County to the suburbs of Mercer, homeowners are reporting predators that seem to have lost their natural fear of humans, appearing on porches and in fenced-in yards in broad daylight.
The Bergen County "Rampage"
In late 2025, authorities in Saddle River and Woodcliff Lake faced a public safety crisis after an unusually aggressive coyote attacked multiple people in their own backyards.
- The Incident: One resident was bitten multiple times while working in their garden, and a Golden Retriever was attacked in a separate incident.
- The Behavior: Police described the animal as "visibly sick" and completely unafraid of people. The animal was eventually located and euthanized to prevent further attacks.
Local officials are warning that as the coyote population—estimated at over 4,000 statewide—continues to grow, these interactions are moving from the woods directly into suburban "safe zones."
The "Bearfoot" Neighbors of North Jersey
Further west and north, black bears have been making headlines for their increasingly bold behavior. In recent months:
- Washington, NJ: Police issued an alert after a bear was spotted wandering through town, reminding residents that despite their "cuddly" appearance, they are dangerous apex predators.
- Sussex County: A black bear reportedly wandered into a convenience store, leading to a confrontation with a dog and a person.
- Mercer County: Residents in Lawrenceville and West Windsor captured doorbell camera footage of bears sprinting through densely packed housing developments and shopping center parking lots.
Why Are They So Bold?
Wildlife biologists from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) point to "Habituation" as the primary cause.
- Intentional Feeding: When humans leave food out—either for the predator or for stray cats—animals learn to associate humans with a meal.
- Unsecured Trash: A single unsecured garbage can provide enough calories to keep a bear or coyote returning to a neighborhood for weeks.
- The "Invisible" Predator: Many residents are reporting sightings of "mystery animals" or "big cats." While the NJDEP maintains there is no breeding population of mountain lions in NJ, the increase in large, mangy coyotes (which can weigh up to 55 lbs) often leads to cases of mistaken identity.
New Jersey "Predator-Proof" Checklist
To protect your family and pets, officials recommend these immediate steps:
- The "Loud" Approach: If you see a coyote or bear, don't just go inside. Use an airhorn, bang pots, or shout to reinforce their fear of humans.
- Secure the Coop: With the rise of "backyard chickens" in NJ, ensure coops are reinforced with hardware cloth and electric fencing; they are a primary draw for local predators.
- The "Dusk to Dawn" Rule: Keep all pets inside between sunset and sunrise, when activity peaks.
- Manage the "Bird Buffet": Birdseed attracts rodents, and rodents attract coyotes. If you see predators, remove your feeders immediately.
How to Report an Encounter
If you observe a bear or coyote that shows no fear of humans or acts aggressively, do not contact local animal control—they are often not equipped for large predators. Instead, call the DEP Action Line at 1-877-WARN-DEP.
