Mystery drones have sparked panic in New Jersey. Here's what we know

New Jersey has been buzzing with the sights and sounds of mystery drones.

Many are wondering where they came from — who sent them and what they’re doing here.

Authorities say the drones do not seem to pose a public threat.

However, investigative agencies are asking citizens to keep tabs on the unmanned craft.

Meanwhile, lawmakers are calling for stricter rules on whom can use these drones.

Let’s take a look at what we know

What do we know?

Witnesses first began seeing the drones flying around New Jersey in November .

They were spotted flying along the scenic Raritan River, a waterway that feeds the Round Valley Reservoir, the state’s largest aquifer, about 80 kilometers west of New York City.

But soon sightings were reported statewide, including near the Picatinny Arsenal, a US military research and manufacturing facility, and over President-elect Donald Trump’s golf course in Bedminster.

The aircraft have also recently been spotted in coastal areas.

US Representative Chris Smith said a Coast Guard commanding officer told him a dozen drones closely followed a Coast Guard lifeboat near Barnegat Light and Island Beach State Park in Ocean County over the weekend.

Are authorities concerned?

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has said the aircraft do not pose a threat, but has not provided any details to support this.

Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia, who was briefed by the Department of Homeland Security, said the reported drones have been up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) in diameter and sometimes travel with their lights switched off. This is much larger than those typically flown by drone hobbyists and she said they appear to avoid detection by traditional methods such as helicopter and radio.

Officials and experts say some witnesses may actually be seeing planes or helicopters rather than drones, or perhaps are confused about the size of the devices they’re seeing.

“There are certainly big drones, such as agricultural drones, but typically they are not the type you see flying around in urban or suburban spaces,” John Duesler, president of the Pennsylvania Drone Association, said Thursday. The organization with about 350 members, is headquartered in Pittston, Pennsylvania.

“I wonder a little bit if it’s sort of a type of fish story, as in ‘I caught a fish this big!’ type of a thing,” Deusler added. “At night, it’s hard to see how big the drones are, especially because they can be either closer or further away from you. To get that perspective of how big they are is really difficult.”

Where did they come from?

A senior FBI official told the House Homeland Security Committee Wednesday the recent drone sightings above New Jersey are “concerning,” and said the agency is “actively investigating” the situation and trying to determine who is responsible.

Authorities say they do not know who is behind the drones.

The FBI, Homeland Security and state police are investigating the sightings. Authorities say they don’t know if it is one drone that has been spotted many times or if there are multiple aircraft being flown in a coordinated effort.

Speculation has raged online, with some expressing concerns that the drone or drones could be part of a nefarious plot by foreign agents. Officials stress that ongoing state and federal investigations have found no evidence to support those fears.

Two Republican Jersey Shore-area congressmen, Smith and US Rep. Jeff Van Drew, have called on the military to shoot down the drones, citing safety concerns.

The Pentagon insists the drones do not represent a threat from abroad.

Pentagon spokesperson Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said Thursday that the military’s initial assessment after consulting with the Department of Homeland Security and the National Security Council — that the drones are not of foreign origin — remains unchanged.

Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh said Wednesday that the aircraft are not US military drones.

What do the state’s laws say about UAVs?

The flying of drones for recreational and commercial use is legal in New Jersey, but it is subject to local and Federal Aviation Administration regulations and flight restrictions.

Operators must be FAA certified.

Have they been seen elsewhere?

Sightings also have been reported in neighboring New York and Pennsylvania.

Drones were also spotted last month in the UK The US Air Force said several small unmanned aircraft were detected near four military bases in England that are used by American forces.