A quiet morning in an upscale New Jersey neighbourhood turned into a scene of terror when a housekeeper and her small dog became the victims of a vicious coyote attack, highlighting growing concerns about urban wildlife encounters.
The Attack Unfolds
The incident occurred around 9:30 AM on Thursday in the affluent community of Rumson, New Jersey. The housekeeper, whose identity remains protected, was walking her small dog near the property where she works when a coyote emerged from nearby woodland and launched its assault without warning.
"It happened so fast," recounted a neighbour who witnessed part of the attack. "One moment everything was peaceful, the next there was screaming and chaos."
Heroic Intervention and Injuries
The coyote initially targeted the small dog, prompting the housekeeper to intervene in a desperate attempt to save her pet. During the struggle, the wild animal turned its aggression toward the woman, inflicting multiple bite wounds on her arms and legs.
A nearby construction worker heard the commotion and rushed to assist, using tools to scare off the aggressive coyote. Both the housekeeper and her dog were immediately transported for medical treatment.
Community Response and Safety Measures
Local authorities have launched an intensive search for the coyote, described as unusually large and aggressive. Rumson police have issued multiple warnings to residents, advising them to:
- Avoid walking pets alone, especially during dawn and dusk hours
- Keep dogs on short leashes when outside
- Carry noise-making devices or deterrents
- Secure outdoor trash and food sources
"This level of aggression toward humans is extremely rare," stated local wildlife expert Dr. Michael Henderson. "Coyotes typically avoid human contact, but when they lose their fear, they become dangerous."
Growing Coyote Concerns
The attack comes amid increasing coyote sightings throughout New Jersey's suburban communities. Wildlife officials attribute this to habitat loss and readily available food sources in residential areas.
Local animal control has set up additional traps and increased patrols in the area. Residents have been urged to report any coyote sightings immediately to authorities.
Both the housekeeper and her dog are expected to recover from their injuries, though the psychological trauma of the attack may linger far longer than the physical wounds.
