Small dog dragged into woods by ‘aggressive’ coyote in wealthy NJ enclave
A small dog is believed to have been taken from her owner’s backyard and dragged into nearby woods by a coyote in the affluent New Jersey community of Saddle River, an incident officials say may be linked to increased aggression during mating season.
The dog, named Gigi, disappeared earlier this week after her owner briefly left her alone outside, prompting concern among neighbors, according to ABC7 New York.
After discovering the dog was missing, the owner reviewed his home surveillance footage and heard coyotes barking in the background. He then contacted Saddle River police, who began searching the area near a residential stretch known for its large estates. Authorities said the dog, whose age and breed were not released, was likely carried off by a coyote seen running into the woods near Burning Hollow Road.
Animal control officers continued searching for Gigi as of Friday afternoon and cautioned residents that coyote attacks on pets tend to increase during mating season, which runs from January through March.
Several neighbors reported frequent coyote sightings, particularly in the evenings. One resident said the animals are often seen moving between properties. In October, a Saddle River resident was bitten by a coyote and required rabies treatment.
That same month, a woman in nearby Woodcliff Lake was also attacked by a coyote while walking with her family dog, highlighting growing concerns about coyote activity in northern New Jersey communities.
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