Coyotes in NJ? (Camden, Stratford, Lakehurst: home, to live in, yard)

[TracySam]

I just saw on the local Philly new last night that a coyote was caught in someone's yard in Stratford (Camden County) yesterday, and animal control had to capture and release it into a wooded area.

I grew up in that area in the 70s and 80s, and never knew that coyotes were native to south Jersey. Never saw any, never thought I saw any, never thought they were in the area. Where were they all my life? Yes, deer, groundhogs, rabbits, squirrels, possums, raccoons, but coyotes?

Did this come as a surprise to others in or from that area? Does anyone from there disagree with me and think it's not a surprise to find a coyote in Stratford?

[tallguylehigh]

I came faced to face with one in Morris County. We live in a wooded area and were out for a walk around dusk in the summer timeframe. About 30 yards in front of us it popped out of the woods, crossed the street and sat down.

Needless to say we found another way home that evening.

[wileynj]

Originally Posted by tallguylehigh

I came faced to face with one in Morris County. We live in a wooded area and were out for a walk around dusk in the summer timeframe. About 30 yards in front of us it popped out of the woods, crossed the street and sat down.

Needless to say we found another way home that evening.

One coyote won't bother you... a pack will. We had one that crossed through our back yard (former house) every morning until the new neighbor put up an ugly deer fence. The coyote was so confused..I felt so bad for him. he was absolutely gorgeous - especially in the winter with his full coat.

[Shwa]

We used to live in Middletown and there was a big coyote problem there about a year or two ago. There were woods behind our development and neighbors had even seen them.

There were a number of articles in local papers at the time about various incidents between coyotes and people. There was even a notification posted on mailboxes about what to do if you encounter a coyote.

One thing for certain - don't let kids play outside unattended if there have been any coyote sightings.

[HalfFull]

There was a coyote running around Randolph last year for a while.

[Calico696]

There are tons of coyote in Warren County where I live. I hear them in the woods all of the time. For the most part, they are not a bother. They do make my dog bark like a nut though.

[wileynj]

Originally Posted by Calico696

There are tons of coyote in Warren County where I live. I hear them in the woods all of the time. For the most part, they are not a bother. They do make my dog bark like a nut though.

I'm sure having "hunter" next door helps keep them at bay..lol - he is one scary looking pitbull!!! If they only knew he was just a big drooler..loverboy!

[mike0421]

When I worked at the NAES in Lakehurst, there were a ton of them on base. When I was doing field work there, I'd see them frequently.

[Calico696]

Originally Posted by wileynj

I'm sure having "hunter" next door helps keep them at bay..lol - he is one scary looking pitbull!!! If they only knew he was just a big drooler..loverboy!

Hunter is the bomb....we love him. He's so lovey dovey with such a smiley face but solid as a brick sh*thouse. He's probably about 80 lbs. Wish he would stop getting loose though. I feel bad for my poor neighbor. My Daisy loves him, we call him her BF.

[EB2]

Originally Posted by wileynj

I'm sure having "hunter" next door helps keep them at bay..lol - he is one scary looking pitbull!!! If they only knew he was just a big drooler..loverboy!

Hahaha...those are the best dogs. My best friend has an 80-85 lb (and still growing) Rottweiler. He's just a huge baby....and loves to give kisses. I actually steal the dog each time I go to her house, because he won't listen to anyone if I'm there....he'll just sit or lie contently next to me (when he's not trying to lick my hands or arms off, of course).

Dog down the street is the same way - huge Pitt. He came charging at my mom and I one day, so we just froze, thinking it was best (not to run) - all he wanted was someone to play with, hah. I actually had to lead him back to his owner because he wanted to keep playing.