Coyote Suspected In Attack On NJ Mother And Child Killed – RADIO.COM

FAIRFIELD, N.J. (WCBS 880) — A coyote suspected in the attack on a New Jersey mother and her 4-year-old son was shot and killed in Essex County Thursday night.

The coyote bit a 37-year-old mother and then went after her son in a stroller in Fairfield.

Fairfield Police Chief Anthony Manna said it was an unusual attack and says it could have been much worse. He notes the Fish and Game Association is searching for any more wild coyotes in the area.

“The stroller turned over, the coyote went after the child and bit him in his leg,” Manna explained. “In my understanding and speaking with Fish and Game, if they’re hungry, to a real bad extent, they will seek prey. Or if they have a bit of rabies, so we’re assuming this might be the later.”

Two hours after the attack, police spotted the coyote and used deadly force.

The coyote is being tested for rabies. Police Chief Manna says they are also searching for another coyote that injured a dog Wednesday night.

“We do have Fish and Game out today looking for dens of coyotes just to see if we can track them and take whatever action needs to be done,” he said. “I know if you look that way, we are closing the wooden area section of the park.”

Beto Contuzi, a resident, said he walks the Hollywood Avenue Park where the attack took place, each morning, “I was just telling Manny here, we’re not going through the woods. I go through the woods every morning, that’s my routine, but my wife won’t allow it and I definitely won’t go through there anymore.”

Environmental officials say coyote sightings are rare and attacks even rarer.

With several sporting events planned for the weekend, police will patrol the park to assure the safety of the residents.