Coyote sightings reported near Deal Lake — Borough advises residents to take precautions
Three confirmed sightings in the past ten days. No incidents involving pets or people.
The Allenhurst Police Department has confirmed three coyote sightings near the Deal Lake shoreline in the past ten days. All three occurred between dusk and dawn, and no incidents involving pets or people have been reported.
Coyotes have been a periodic presence in Monmouth County for more than two decades, and the New Jersey Division of Fish & Wildlife notes that the animals are generally shy of humans. Sightings tend to rise in the spring, when young coyotes are establishing new territories.
What residents should do
- Do not approach or attempt to feed a coyote under any circumstance.
- Keep small pets leashed and supervised, especially at dawn and dusk.
- Do not leave pet food or open trash outside overnight.
- If you encounter a coyote, make yourself large and loud — wave your arms, shout, and back away slowly. Do not run.
- Report sightings to the Allenhurst Police non-emergency line at (732) 531-1800.
"This is a normal part of living in a coastal suburb in 2026," said Chief of Police Michael Gallagher. "The right response is awareness, not alarm. Keep your pets close, keep your trash secure, and call us if you see one."
Residents can subscribe to the Borough's emergency notifications at allenhurstpress.com/subscribe to receive real-time updates on this and other public-safety matters.
Eleanor Brinton covers Allenhurst history, borough government, and life along Corlies Avenue. A longtime Jersey Shore resident, she writes a weekly column for The Allenhurst Press.