Coyote caught on video attacking New Jersey woman and family dog in backyard
A New Jersey housekeeper was attacked by a coyote Monday afternoon while she was outside with the family's dog, according to New York station WABC.
The victim, 31, was in the backyard of a home on Woodcrest Drive in Woodcliff Lake that connects to a nature preserve when the animal pounced on her, wounding her shoulder, arm, leg and her back, according to surveillance video that captured the incident.
The homeowner can then be seen on the video running outside to fight off the coyote, which fled after also attacking the family's dog.
The dog is fine, but the housekeeper will undergo treatment for rabies exposure as a precaution, the homeowners told WABC. It's not known if the coyote is rabid since it hasn't been caught.
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) advises homeowners to avoid feeding coyotes, foxes and other wild animals and to ensure that any human or pet food sources, including garbage, are sealed securely if they are outside, to avoid attracting animals. Clearing brush and weeds can also reduce the potential for coyotes, since it discourages the rodents on which the animals feed.
"Although extremely rare, coyotes have been known to attack humans. Parents should monitor their children, even in familiar surroundings, such as backyards," according to DJDEP. "If coyotes are present, make sure they know they’re not welcome. Make loud noises, blast a canned air siren, throw rocks, or spray them with a garden hose."
The Wildlife Services Section of the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife receives about 100 coyote-related calls per year, according to their website.
