Disquieting Encounter: Westfield Resident Says a Fox Followed Her for Blocks

A Westfield resident reported an alarming encounter with a fox early Wednesday morning on Brightwood Avenue, prompting town officials and health department guidance on wildlife safety for community residents.

Vidya Murugan, who lives on Brown Avenue, was walking her dog on Brightwood Avenue at approximately 5:30 a.m. when she noticed a fox following them. The encounter raised immediate safety concerns and demonstrated the need for community awareness about wildlife in residential neighborhoods.

The Encounter

"The fox decided to follow us, and because it was dark, I didn't want any kind of confrontation with the fox in the dark, so we started crossing the street. The fox crossed behind us," Murugan said, describing her decision to immediately change direction and distance herself and her dog from the fox.

When they reached the corner at Prospect Avenue, Murugan attempted to scare the fox away by making noise and stomping around. The fox temporarily backed off but returned as they continued walking toward Effingham Avenue. The persistent following prompted Murugan to call her husband for pickup.

"It was quite alarming," Murugan said, reflecting on the unsettling experience and her awareness that darkness and isolation heightened the risk.

Community Response and Official Guidance

Murugan contacted the Westfield Police Department, which advised her to call Animal Control. Animal Control then directed her to call Fish and Wildlife, where she left a voicemail. She also reached out to the mayor and town council, escalating the concern through multiple community channels.

Mayor Jeremy Berman responded to the incident directly. "I have been in touch with this resident and, above all, am glad that she and her dog were not harmed," Mayor Berman said. He validated Murugan's response to the encounter and provided context about fox behavior.

"Foxes do tend to be very active overnight, at dusk and at dawn, and this resident did the right thing by calling the police and Animal Control when she felt the encounter was aggressive in nature," Mayor Berman noted. His response acknowledged both the legitimacy of Murugan's concern and the appropriate steps she took.

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Wildlife Safety and Suburban Adaptation

According to the Westfield Regional Health Department's website, wildlife concerns reflect broader regional patterns. "Over the past few years these animal populations have grown and can be found throughout New Jersey. It is important to remember that both fox and coyote have adapted to live quite well in the suburbs and even alongside humans."

The health department's guidance also provides reassurance: "It is also important to remember that these animals are normally not aggressive." The statement acknowledges wildlife presence while noting that most encounters do not result in confrontation.

Wildlife Behavior and Safety Context

Foxes are typically active during dawn, dusk, and overnight hours—times when visibility is reduced and human activity is lower. Early morning walks like Murugan's expose residents to peak fox activity periods. Understanding wildlife behavior enables residents to adjust outdoor activities and precautions.

Emergency Response Protocols

The Westfield Regional Health Department advises residents: after an encounter with an aggressive or possibly rabid animal, immediately notify the police at 908-789-4000 or call 911 in emergencies. Clear emergency protocols and contact numbers enable rapid response when residents feel threatened.

Wildlife Coexistence in Suburban Communities

Suburban and urban areas increasingly host fox populations as wildlife adapts to developed environments. Residential neighborhoods provide food sources, shelter, and habitat enabling wildlife survival in proximity to human communities. Understanding coexistence strategies supports both wildlife management and community safety.

Animal Control and Municipal Response

Murugan's experience involved coordination among police, Animal Control, and Fish and Wildlife—reflecting multi-agency wildlife management. Police provide immediate response and safety support, Animal Control manages domestic animal concerns and dangerous wildlife, and Fish and Wildlife oversee broader wildlife populations and ecological concerns.

For Westfield Residents

The encounter reminds Westfield residents that wildlife encounters are possible, particularly during low-visibility times (dawn, dusk, night). Residents should remain alert during early morning or evening outdoor activities and know emergency response protocols.

If residents encounter an aggressive fox or other wildlife, police non-emergency number (908-789-4000) or 911 for emergencies enable rapid response and guidance.

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FAQ

Q: What should I do if I encounter a fox?
A: Remain calm and attempt to scare the fox away (noise, movement). Avoid confrontation in low-visibility conditions. Contact Westfield Police non-emergency (908-789-4000) or 911 for emergencies.

Q: Are foxes aggressive toward residents?
A: According to the Westfield Regional Health Department, foxes are normally not aggressive. However, if an encounter feels threatening, contact police immediately.

Q: When are foxes most active?
A: Foxes tend to be very active overnight, at dusk, and at dawn. Early morning and evening outdoor activities carry higher encounter likelihood.

Q: What happened in the Westfield fox encounter?
A: A resident reported a fox following her and her dog on Brightwood Avenue early Wednesday morning. The fox persisted after the resident attempted to scare it away.

Q: How did the mayor respond?
A: Mayor Jeremy Berman confirmed the resident did the right thing by contacting police and Animal Control and was glad no harm occurred.

Q: Are foxes common in Westfield and New Jersey?
A: Yes. Fox and coyote populations have grown over recent years and are found throughout New Jersey, including suburban areas.

Q: What is the police non-emergency number for wildlife concerns?
A: Westfield Police non-emergency: 908-789-4000. Call 911 for emergencies involving aggressive or possibly rabid animals.

Q: Who should I contact about wildlife encounters?
A: Contact Westfield Police (908-789-4000 non-emergency, 911 emergency). Police will direct you to Animal Control or other appropriate agencies.