Officials: Coyote attacks at least 2 people at South Mountain Reservation
The Essex County Sheriff’s Office says that a 13-year-old girl was attacked around 3 p.m. Friday, along with a dog. A second person was attacked about an hour later.
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An aggressive coyote has attacked at least two people and a dog at South Mountain Reservation in Essex County, according to officials.
The Essex County Sheriff’s Office says that a 13-year-old girl was attacked around 3 p.m. Friday, along with a dog.
“She had puncture wounds to her leg,” officials wrote in a statement. She was taken to Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center for treatment.
The dog was also taken to an animal hospital and is said to be seriously injured.
Officials say that another person was also attacked by the same coyote around 4 p.m. That person was also taken to the hospital for treatment.
“An aggressive coyote has been sighted in Essex County South Mountain Reservation. With an abundance of caution, we are closing Crest Drive and the South Mountain Dog Park until [Saturday],” the Essex County Executive’s Office wrote on Facebook.
Residents are being told to leave the reservation and to use caution.
A group of about eight to 10 police officers was seen entering the park to search for the animal.
Experts say that to avoid run-ins with wild animals, do not let pets run loose. People are also advised not to run from the coyote. Anyone who might see an animal that appears to be aggressive in nature should report it immediately.
