Residents near Wildwood’s back bay are raising concerns about coyotes moving closer to residential properties, a shift that city officials attribute to people feeding the wild animals. According to resident Michael Young, community members are worried to death about the presence of the animals near homes.
Coyote Sightings and Resident Concerns in Wildwood
Back bay residents report that coyotes are increasingly approaching homes and fences. Tina Young stated that coyotes have dug beneath her fences and come close to her 5-year-old son, noting that the animals approach barriers as if expecting food. In response to the growing proximity of wildlife, officials have installed more than a dozen warning signs throughout the neighborhood instructing people not to feed the coyotes.
City leadership emphasizes that feeding the animals creates unnatural dependencies. Mayor Ernie Troiano Jr. warned that individuals who continue feeding the wildlife could face fines of up to $1,000. According to Mayor Troiano, the animals have inhabited the area for years without incident, but they naturally gravitate toward accessible food sources provided by humans.
Did you know? The area where the coyotes have been spotted is currently undergoing redevelopment from a former landfill into a designated nature preserve. City officials hope the completed habitat restoration will encourage the coyotes to return to natural foraging areas away from residential zones.
Official Guidance and Wildlife Management Plans
Despite close encounters, municipal leaders report that the animals have not displayed threatening behavior. Mayor Troiano noted that coyotes observed in the area appear calm, stating they are not being aggressive when approached within 20 to 25 yards.
According to New Jersey Fish and Wildlife, negative interactions between humans and coyotes remain at a minimum. To prevent attracting the animals, residents should secure household garbage and pet food, strengthen property fences, and utilize motion-activated lights or sound deterrents.
Local authorities are continuing to monitor the neighborhood’s wildlife activity. No recent incidents have been reported to law enforcement or municipal agencies. A professional wildlife assessment of the area took place several weeks ago, and specialists are scheduled to return in the fall to re-evaluate the local coyote population.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the coyotes in Wildwood aggressive?
According to Mayor Ernie Troiano Jr., the coyotes spotted near the back bay have not been aggressive and typically observe people from a distance when approached.
What are the penalties for feeding coyotes in Wildwood?
City officials have warned that individuals caught feeding coyotes can face municipal fines of up to $1,000.
How can residents deter coyotes from residential properties?
New Jersey Fish and Wildlife advises residents to secure garbage and pet food, reinforce fences, and install motion-activated lights or sound deterrents.
What is being done to manage the coyote population?
Authorities have installed over a dozen warning signs prohibiting feeding, and a wildlife professional who assessed the area is scheduled to return in the fall.
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