Saddle River is taking the reins in Bergen County to control a rapidly growing coyote population, officials say.

Authorities say a larger number of the animals don't seem to be afraid of humans. Just a few weeks ago, a pack surrounded a woman and her dog on Oak Road.

It's a new situation in the area, according to Saddle River Police Chief Timothy McWilliams.

"We never had large family groups that were becoming more aggressive and doing the things that they're doing, following walkers, joggers," he says.

The coyote task force has killed five of the animals so far, including a badly injured one police euthanized just two days ago.

"The people can feel more secure," says Saddle River Mayor Albert Kurpis. "They want to know something is proactively being done to protect them and their children and their pets."