Police are urging residents in the Wildwood Crest area to be on alert after recent reports of coyotes being spotted in the area.

“Residents and visitors are encouraged to be aware of their surroundings and take precautions, especially when outside with pets or children,” Wildwood Crest police said.

According to police, coyotes are adaptable, wild animals that can be found throughout New Jersey. The first known record of a coyote being spotted in New Jersey was in Lambertville in 1939, according to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. Since that time, coyotes have been spotted in all 21 counties.

The NJDEP says eastern coyotes are also larger than those found in the western part of the country. They vary in color from blonde to red and black. Coyotes adjust to their surroundings and feed on whatever food is available, from rabbits, mice, birds and small animals to young deer and carcasses.

The NJDEP says residents should never feed coyotes. People can also avoid coyote encounters by clearing brush and dense weeds around their homes and installing motion-detecting lights. The NJDEP also advises making loud noises, using sirens or spraying garden hoses to scare the animals away, as well as keeping an eye on children and pets outdoors.

If you see a coyote acting aggressively or one that appears sick, report it immediately to the DEP hotline at 877-WARN-DEP.