A New Jersey woman was attacked by a coyote while in the backyard with her dog on Monday afternoon.
The abrupt attack occurred around 1:20 p.m. at a Woodcliff Lake home in Bergen County. The residential area is surrounded by woods.
Woodcliff Lake Police said the 30-year-old woman was bitten multiple times on her leg, arm and back while she was with her golden retriever. The coyote bit the dog, too, before it ran off. Officials said the dog was likely trying to protect the woman and the coyote was larger than usual.
The attack was described as sudden and unprovoked, but the cause is unknown.
The woman was able to get inside and call for help before was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Police searched the woods but were unable to find the coyote.
Coyote attacks of humans are extremely rare, but do occur.
Two people and their dogs were attacked while walking in Bergen County in September. Officials tracked the coyote down and euthanized it.
“Conflicts between coyotes and humans are most likely to develop as adults forage for food for the pups in the spring and summer,” according to the New Jersey Department of Fish & Wildlife. “In suburban and urban areas, coyotes have occasionally attacked small pets. Although attacks on humans are extremely rare in eastern states, as with any predatory animal they can occur.”
Residents are advised to be alert around wooded or bushy areas, keep pets close and supervised and avoid leaving food or garbage outside that could attract wildlife. If confronted with a coyote, a person should try to scare it off by making loud noises, throwing rocks or spraying it with a hose.
