METUCHEN — Borough officials are warning residents to keep an eye on their pets at all times and to always keep pets on a leash when outside after a coyote allegedly killed two deer fawn near Metuchen High School last week.
Metuchen’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM) posted a notice on social media and Nixle on July 20.
“Coyotes can be aggressive and generally avoid contact with people but, under some circumstances, are dangerous for animals,” OEM personnel said.
Metuchen School District Superintendent of Schools Vincent Caputo said he contacted the Department of Public Works and the Metuchen Police Department when district personnel found the deer.
Police Lt. Arthur Flaherty said the department was notified, however, he said police did not investigate the incident. Flaherty said police have not received any calls regarding coyote sightings.
Caryn Shinske, spokeswoman for the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), said coyotes have been documented in all 21 counties in New Jersey. She said the DEP does not track nor maintain coyote population data.
The DEP provides a list of precautions on its website, which include securing garbage in tightly closed containers that cannot be tipped over; clearing brush and dense weeds from around dwellings; never feed a coyote; and if coyotes are present, make loud noises.
