WOODCLIFF LAKE — A 31-year-old local woman and a loyal golden retriever are recovering after both were bitten by a coyote in the backyard of their home early Monday afternoon, Oct. 20, according to police.
The incident was captured on harrowing home video surveillance footage.
Captain Chad Malloy of the Woodcliff Lake Police Department said officers were called to the scene around 1:20 p.m. after the woman reported that a coyote had attacked her and the dog. The animal bit the woman on the arm, leg, and back, and bit the dog on its leg before running off into the woods.
In the video, the woman is seen releasing her dog, age 6, from its leash so it could get away; the dog is seen repeatedly putting itself between her and the attacking coyote.
Both victims received medical care and are expected to recover. The Bergen County Health Department and New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife were notified. As it is not known whether the coyote has rabies, the woman likely faces a month of painful rabies treatments as a precaution.
Police reminded residents to stay alert when outdoors with pets and young children. “Please be aware of your surroundings when out with small pets,” the department said in a public advisory.
Monday’s attack was the third coyote-related incident in Bergen County this fall. In late September, two people in Saddle River were attacked while walking their dogs; one of those coyotes was later euthanized and tested positive for rabies, officials confirmed.
The state Department of Environmental Protection advises residents that while attacks are rare, coyotes can become aggressive if they lose their natural fear of humans — especially during breeding season or when food sources are scarce.
Anyone who encounters a coyote showing aggression or acting unusually should contact local police immediately. The DEP Division of Fish and Wildlife can also be reached at (908) 735-8793, or through the DEP Hotline at 877-WARN-DEP after hours.