Norwalk River Valley Trail Reopens Wilton Loop After Dog-Coyote Encounter

WILTON, Conn. — The Norwalk River Valley Trail has reopened the Wilton Loop after it had been closed this week following an encounter between a coyote and a dog.

The Wilton Loop of the Norwalk River Valley Trail has been reopened following an encounter between a dog and a coyote Saturday afternoon.
Photo Credit: *Wikimedia Commons*

Casey Donahue

04/12/2017 1:00 a.m.

The dog was not injured in the encounter, but broke free from its owner after spotting the coyote on the trail at around 2:30 p.m. Saturday in the area south of Sharp Hill Road, according to Wilton Police. The Wilton Loop was then closed for a couple days while Wilton Animal Control and representatives of the NRVT worked to ensure that the area was safe.

The yellow tape around the area has been removed and it is now open to the public once again.

"After monitoring the trail since the incident, animal control has found no evidence of current coyote presence," NRVT said in a post on its Facebook page. "Remember, however, that coyotes are common in our neck of the woods. Please follow the safety tips we posted earlier. Be safe and enjoy the trail."

"The Wilton Police Department thanks the NRVT representatives for working closely with our Animal Control officers to ensure safe trail usage for all users and their pets," police said. "As coyotes have become more common in our area and occasionally prey on small pets, the police department recognizes public concerns about coyotes."

For facts about coyotes and tips for keeping yourself and pets safe, check out the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection's website.

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