Coyotes surround dog walker in New Jersey town

A coyote in the wild. (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service file)

SADDLE RIVER, N.J. (AP) - Police in New Jersey are warning that a pack of coyotes surrounded a dog walker and attempted to snatch the dog.

The confrontation took place last Thursday on Oak Road in Saddle River.  Police say approximately five coyotes circled within a 6-foot radius of the person and the small leased dog.

The pack ran off when a passing motorist honked the horn and got out of the vehicle.  State wildlife officials are investigating.  Officials advised walkers and joggers to carry an air horn or a walking stick as a precaution.