Police euthanize coyote believed to be responsible for attacks at Rutgers

Rutgers University Police say that officers have killed a coyote believed to be responsible for two attacks on the campus over the past few days.

News 12 Staff

Nov 21, 2019, 10:53 PM

Updated 1,650 days ago

Share:

Rutgers University Police say that officers have killed a coyote believed to be responsible for two attacks on the campus over the past few days.
Police say that they saw the coyote Thursday near Parking Lot 105 on Rutgers’s Livingston Campus in Piscataway. This is close to the location of an attack that happened on Monday. Authorities say that the officers tried to get the coyote to move away from the populated area, but that it aggressively approached the officers. They say that the animal’s unusually aggressive behavior seemed to indicate that it was ill.
The officers euthanized the coyote once it was away from people. The carcass was picked up by an animal control officer, who will have it tested for rabies.
Police say that they believe that this particular coyote is responsible for attacking people on Nov. 14 and Nov. 18 near the Rutgers Ecological Preserve. Wildlife officials say that it is likely both attacks were perpetrated by the same coyote because coyotes typically will avoid people.
undefined
Wildlife officials had set up traps to try to capture the animal.
“The safety of our students, faculty, staff and visitors are the highest priority for Rutgers University and the RUPD,” Rutgers University Police Chief Kenneth Cop said in a statement.
The Rutgers preserve was closed following the attacks. Police say that it will remain closed for the time being.


More from News 12
2:20
Activists hold rally in opposition to NJ Turnpike expansion project in Hudson County

Activists hold rally in opposition to NJ Turnpike expansion project in Hudson County

2:14
STORM WATCH: Rainy weather expected to impact Wednesday evening commute

STORM WATCH: Rainy weather expected to impact Wednesday evening commute

3:17
Lead prosecutor in Robert Durst murder trial vacationed at Hamptons home of killer’s widow

Lead prosecutor in Robert Durst murder trial vacationed at Hamptons home of killer’s widow

3:14
Jersey Shore leaders discuss ways to keep communities safe this summer

Jersey Shore leaders discuss ways to keep communities safe this summer

0:33
Prosecutor: Englewood man accused of sexually assaulting child

Prosecutor: Englewood man accused of sexually assaulting child

0:20
Police identify person killed in motorcycle crash in Franklin Township

Police identify person killed in motorcycle crash in Franklin Township

0:57
Jersey Proud: Monmouth University radio station WMCX celebrates 50 years

Jersey Proud: Monmouth University radio station WMCX celebrates 50 years

2:59
Menendez trial: ‘Missing’ juror causes delay; prosecution focuses on relationship with co-defendants

Menendez trial: ‘Missing’ juror causes delay; prosecution focuses on relationship with co-defendants

0:57
Officials: Cedar Knolls woman charged with animal cruelty for emaciated dog

Officials: Cedar Knolls woman charged with animal cruelty for emaciated dog

0:51
Report: 1 in 5 New Jersey nursing homes don’t meet federal staffing standards

Report: 1 in 5 New Jersey nursing homes don’t meet federal staffing standards

New Jersey and wind farm developer Orsted settle claims for $125M over scrapped offshore projects

New Jersey and wind farm developer Orsted settle claims for $125M over scrapped offshore projects

0:46
Bruce Springsteen postpones several European shows due to vocal issues

Bruce Springsteen postpones several European shows due to vocal issues

10:51
Gov. Murphy answers viewers questions on ‘Ask Gov. Murphy’ program - May 28, 2024

Gov. Murphy answers viewers questions on ‘Ask Gov. Murphy’ program - May 28, 2024

0:14
Fire chief: No injuries in Plainfield house fire

Fire chief: No injuries in Plainfield house fire

1:25
Friday's preholiday travel breaks the record for the most airline travelers screened at US airports

Friday's preholiday travel breaks the record for the most airline travelers screened at US airports

0:52
Tips to stay healthy while traveling this summer

Tips to stay healthy while traveling this summer

0:22
Police: Missing Neptune Township teen found safe

Police: Missing Neptune Township teen found safe

1:12
Best of New Jersey: Grabbing a bite at Labebe Prime in North Brunswick Township

Best of New Jersey: Grabbing a bite at Labebe Prime in North Brunswick Township

0:22
Police: 19-year-old killed in crash on Route 30 in Atlantic City

Police: 19-year-old killed in crash on Route 30 in Atlantic City

Is your dad awesome? New Jersey tell us why your dad rocks!

Is your dad awesome? New Jersey tell us why your dad rocks!