A great picture of the Eastern Coyote in New Jersey(in Posting below) where since first coming to human attention in 1939, are thought to number 5000-10,000 strong and occupy all 21 counties in the Garden State...................Reflecting their roughly 10% Eastern Wolf genetic makeup, Eastern Coyotes(across New England and the Mid Atlantic) are a good 10 pounds heavier than their western counterparts and can top off at some 55 pounds

Wily coyotes present throughout New Jersey

 Philyburbs.com

You may not see them, but they're out there.

In the heels of a recent spate of bear sightings, state health officials are warning of recent







coyote sightings in Monmouth County and elsewhere in the state, but environmental officials









say the animals are always around, even if we don't see them.

"Coyotes are actually fairly common in New Jersey," said Lawrence Hajna, spokesman for the









state Department of Environmental Protection. "They're very reclusive creatures, so they're just







not seen all that frequently. But they're all through the state."

A member of the dog family, the coyote is supremely adaptable and quick to adjust to changes







in its environment. The earliest verified coyote sighting in New Jersey was near Lambertville in





 1939. Since then, sightings have been reported in all 21 counties. The DEP estimates there







are anywhere from 5,000 to 10,000 of them in New Jersey.

Coyotes bear their young in April and May, and humans are more apt to spot them in the spring







 and summer as they search for food. They have no natural enemies in the Garden State,







 although hunters can kill them during deer season.

Unlike bears, which range across miles of terrain in their quest for food, coyotes are territorial







and tend to remain in one area. They typically eat rodents, rabbits, and even small or sickly 







deer. They also will eat carrion if nothing else is available. Adults can weigh up to 55 pounds



.

To head off any potential encounters, wildlife officials advise residents to keep their garbage in







secure containers and never leave any pet food lying outside



.

If you encounter a coyote, make loud noises and throw things to chase it away. Any approach







by the animal should be viewed as a potential attack, which can be discouraged by opening 







your coat and standing tall to appear bigger. Under no circumstances should anyone feed a







coyote by hand or place food in outdoor bins. These activities will accustom the animals to







humans who could then be approached by the animals seeking food.

Hajna said any coyote displaying unusual behavior, such as following or confronting humans,







 should be reported immediately to the local police or animal control officials. The DEP has a







 hotline to call in the event of an animal emergency: 1-877-WARNDEP.