Wildwood, N.J. – Residents living near the city’s Back Bay area are increasingly concerned about coyotes that have moved closer to residential yards. The animals, which have been present in the region for years, are now being seen digging under fences and lingering near playgrounds, prompting worries among parents and grandparents.
Neighbors describe uneasy encounters
“We’re worried to death. I can’t even let my grandson out in my backyard,” said Michael Young, a longtime homeowner. “What’s going to be done?”
His wife, Tina Young, added that a coyote recently dug beneath their fence and approached their five‑year‑old son. “They come up to my fence like they’re looking for food. It’s nuts. I don’t know if they’ll bite or not,” she said.
City response and new warnings
In response, the city has posted more than a dozen warning signs throughout the Back Bay neighborhood, reminding residents not to feed the wildlife. Mayor Ernie Troiano Jr. warned that anyone caught feeding coyotes could face fines of up to $1,000.
“Leave them alone. Don’t feed them. They will go to their natural food source. They have been here for years and we had no problems before,” Troiano explained. He noted that the area is undergoing a transformation from a former landfill into a nature preserve, a project intended to give the animals a proper habitat away from homes.
Expert advice on coexisting safely
New Jersey Fish and Wildlife officials say that negative human‑coyote interactions remain rare, but they stress that residents can reduce the likelihood of encounters by taking simple steps:
- Never feed coyotes or leave pet food outdoors.
- Secure garbage in sealed containers.
- Keep outdoor pet food and birdseed locked away.
- Strengthen fences and consider installing motion‑activated lights or sound deterrents.
“Coyotes are naturally wary of people, but when we provide an easy food source they become accustomed to our presence,” a wildlife professional who assessed the area said. The specialist, who visited several weeks ago, plans to return in the fall to monitor the situation.
Looking ahead
The city hopes that as the nature preserve project progresses, coyotes will be drawn back toward the restored wetlands and away from residential zones. In the meantime, officials urge the community to stay vigilant, keep yards clean, and report any aggressive behavior to local authorities.
Residents are encouraged to attend the upcoming town‑hall meeting scheduled for next month, where the mayor and wildlife officials will provide updates and answer questions about safety measures and the preserve’s development timeline.
Original reporting: Allentown News – 6abc Philadelphia — read the source article.
