This may in fact be a rather "mangy" eastern coyote. Coyotes are quite common in Morris County and have been seen in the Hilltop region between Caldwell and Verona, so its no surprise to find one in West Orange. Its important to note that coyotes rarely pose a threat to humans, but may attack cats and small dogs.

I've been seeing this thing since the summer and warned residents in my area of it and they thought it was nothing or a lie.... I'm so happy a photo is finally out.... to make matters worse this thing comes out especially at night and roams the streets almost every single night when humans are not present.... please be very careful West Orange, Orange, South Orange, Roseland and Montclair residents...

A few years ago there were wild dogs reported in West Orange and I actually was face to face with one in my backyard. When that happened animal control had to come and remove a dead deer the wild dogs had killed from the woods right behind our house. Pet owners should definitely be careful about letting their animals out at night.

"This thing" is a regular coyote and an important part of the NE ecosystem. That said, pet owners need to be extra cautious. Don't let small dogs and cats out by themselves. Keep your small dog on a leash.

I live in orange west orang border saw this thing last night call ed animal control to report it and I was brused off I am not please IT was after my cat.