The number have coyote sighting has increased recently, Tenafly police say
TENAFLY -- Borough police are warning residents after a reported spike in coyote sightings this month.
"We have been experiencing an increase in the number of coyote sightings across town," police wrote in a Facebook post. "We would like to remind our residents that coyotes are indigenous to this area."
Capt. Michael DeMoncada said the number of reported coyote sighting has been increasing over the last two years and peaks during the fall.
Residents who come across coyotes should take precautions and call the state Department of Environmental Protection Divison of Fish and Wildlife, DeMoncada advised.
"We are not going to respond to coyote sightings," DeMoncada said. "We don't have the tools or ability to handle the animals."
DeMoncada said there have been no reports of attacks but residents with small animals and children should be careful. He encouraged residents to not leave dogs or cats outside at night.
Police did not say if the reported sighting were centered around a certain area. On Facebook, a commenter on the post said he spotted a coyote at Walnut Park.
In May, two coyotes reportedly lunged at dogs that were being walked in Saddle River County Park.
In January, residents in Gloucester County were warned to be vigilant after a large coyote was spotted in Gibbstown.
State officials say coyotes have been seen in all 21 counties, and the number of hunters getting special coyote-hunting permits in N.J. has increased dramatically in the past 10 years.
Fausto Giovanny Pinto may be reached at fpinto@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @FGPreporting. Find NJ.com on Facebook.