ERMA — Lower Township police are investigating several beheaded coyote carcasses found floating in a pond formerly known as Lepor’s Pit between the Garden State Parkway and the end of Cresse Lane.
According to police release, a resident reported the finding to police on Saturday, March 21 at approximately 3 p.m.
Lower Township Animal Control Officer Steven Parker investigated the incident along with police.
Officers identified four adult coyotes, two juvenile coyotes, two foxes and an otter. All of the animals had been skinned and beheaded prior to being thrown in the pond, except the otter.
Parker notified the state Division of Fish and Game office regarding the incident. Those officials believe the animals were most likely trapped and skinned prior to being dumped, police said.
The 80-acre property is now owned by Atlantic Gardens Vineyard Inc.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Lower Township police at (609) 886-1619 ext. 156 or Fish and Wildlife at (856) 629-0555.
