Residents are asked to report sightings of coyotes to local law enforcement.
View full sizeROCHELLE PARK -Authorities say two coyotes lunged at dogs as the pets were being walked in Saddle River County Park on Tuesday - the latest of several recent sightings of the animals in Bergen County, officials said Thursday.
"The resident stated the coyotes were aggressive and lunged towards their dog, but later retreated," said Anthony Cureton, spokesman for the Bergen County Sheriff's Office.
In addition to Rochelle Park, a path in Saddle River County Park links the communities of Fair Lawn, Glen Rock, Paramus, Ridgewood and Saddle Brook.
"Residents are asked to be vigilant when using the park and to report all coyote sightings to local law enforcement," Cureton said in a statement.
Coyotes spotted in Middlesex County
Officials did not immediately respond to a request for details of the other sightings.
In January, residents in Gloucester County were warned to be vigilant after a large coyote was spotted in Gibbstown.
Last year, Middlesex County residents spotted coyotes in several communities.
State officials say coyotes have been seen in all 21 counties, and the number of hunters getting special coyote-hunting permits in N.J. has increased dramatically in the past 10 years.
Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook.