Coyotes in Wildwood: Officials urged residents to keep their distance after recent coyote sightings
Wildwood police have received “numerous” reports in recent weeks of coyote sightings throughout the Jersey Shore city.
New Jersey officials are warning people not to feed or engage with coyotes after a surge in sightings of the wily animals in Wildwood.
Wildwood police have received “numerous” reports of coyotes in recent weeks throughout the barrier island, the department wrote on Facebook.
“While coyotes have inhabited our island for years,” the post read, “increased attention surrounding recent sightings has resulted in greater public awareness.”
Wildwood police and a spokesperson for the city did not immediately respond Thursday to requests for more information, including how many coyote sightings have been reported. But residents told NBC10 the number of adults and pups roaming through yards and streets has seemingly increased in recent weeks.
Is there a spike in New Jersey’s coyote population?
New Jersey Fish and Wildlife keeps track of reported sightings but doesn’t maintain localized or statewide estimates on the number of coyotes because “quantifying any wild populations can be challenging,” a spokesperson said in an email. According to 2025 data, coyotes have been reported in 88% of New Jersey’s 568 municipalities.
It’s not unusual for coyotes to be comfortable around human activity, according to the wildlife department: “The coyote is one of the most resilient and prolific canine species in the world – adapting to ever changing habitat conditions while continuing to expand its range,” the spokesperson said.
Coyotes are important members of ecosystems, helping keep rodent populations under control, according to New Jersey Fish and Wildlife. But they can threaten human safety, attack small pets, or cause property damage. The agency says attacks on humans are “extremely rare.”
In Wildwood, officials are concerned people are intentionally feeding the animals, causing them to “lose their natural fear of people” and “become increasingly comfortable in populated areas,” the police department wrote.
“Coyotes are wild animals. Keeping them wild means not feeding them,” the post continued. Feeding wildlife is illegal under a Wildwood city ordinance and punishable by a fine up to $500, according to police.
Wildwood police stressed that people who encounter a coyote should keep a safe distance, control and supervise pets, and report any coyotes exhibiting unusual or aggressive behavior.
The Wildwood Police Department issued the following recommendations for what to do if you encounter a coyote:
- Keep a safe distance from the animal and do not approach it.
- Never attempt to feed the animal or attract it.
- Control pets.
- Report any coyote exhibiting unusual or aggressive behavior.
New Jersey Fish and Wildlife has the following guidelines to help reduce the likelihood of human conflict with coyotes:
- If coyotes are present, make loud noises, throw rocks, or spray them with a garden hose.
- Secure garbage in tightly closed containers that cannot be tipped over, pick up fallen fruit, and cover compost piles.
- Remove water sources and bird feeders at night to avoid attracting rodents and other prey.
- Bring in pets at night, and provide secure enclosures for rabbits, poultry, and farm animals.
