Coyote sightings have become increasingly common near Wildwood’s back bay as concern grows among local residents.
The real risk? The predators are digging underneath fences, entering backyards, and keeping frightened residents chained to their homes. City officials say locals feeding the coyotes is contributing to the problem.
Homeowners are keeping their pets inside, and they’re thinking twice about letting small children outside unattended. “We’re worried to death. I can’t even let my grandson out in my backyard. What’s going to be done?” resident Michael Young told 6ABC Philadelphia.
The city has put up more than a dozen warning signs around town to not feed any coyotes—Mayor Ernie Troiano Jr. says violators can face fines up to $1,000. “Leave them alone. Don’t feed them. They will go to their food source. They have been here for years. We had no problems,” he said. The mayor noted that the coyotes are fearless—they don’t run when a car comes closer to them. Instead, they stare.
That’s… ominous, to say the least.
Coyote sightings have been concentrated near Wildwood’s former landfill, which is currently being redeveloped into a nature preserve. Officials are hoping the completion of the project will keep coyotes further from residential homes.
In the meantime, residents are being encouraged to follow these guidelines to mitigate coyote encounters:
- No feeding
- Secure garbage and pet food
- Strengthen fencing
- Consider installing motion-activated lights or sound deterrents
Coyotes live in the area. That’s the truth, meaning human-animal coexistence is necessary. Officials are reassuring residents that the animals have not been aggressive—and incidents remain rare. However, the fear is real.
Caution is advised.
Peter Candia is the Food + Drink Editor at New Jersey Digest. A graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, Peter found a passion for writing midway through school and never looked back. He is a former line cook, server and bartender at top-rated restaurants in the tri-state area. In addition to food, Peter enjoys politics, music, sports and anything New Jersey.
