Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Coyote Bites Housekeeper in Woodcliff Lake as Second Attack in Saddle River Prompts Testing

Officials are treating the cases as potential rabies exposures and urging residents to secure attractants and closely supervise pets.

Overview

  • A 31-year-old housekeeper was bitten on the shoulder, arm, back and leg around 1:15–1:20 p.m. Monday in a Woodcliff Lake backyard bordering a nature preserve, police said.
  • Home surveillance video shows the coyote engaging the family's golden retriever and the homeowner rushing out to drive the animal off; the dog was not seriously injured.
  • The victim was treated at a hospital, received vaccines and began precautionary rabies prophylaxis, and has been released; the coyote has not been located after searches by police and animal control.
  • On Tuesday evening in Saddle River, a resident working in their yard was knocked down and bitten multiple times by a coyote that officers described as visibly sick and unafraid of humans; the animal was euthanized and sent for testing, and the victim went to Valley Hospital.
  • Authorities cite recent Bergen County incidents, including a September coyote that tested positive for rabies, and advise residents to lock up garbage and pet food, clear brush, supervise pets, and report fearless or aggressive coyotes.