A large number of mysterious drones have been reported flying over parts of New Jersey in recent weeks, sparking speculation and concern about who sent them and why. New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy and law enforcement officials have stressed that while the drones do not appear to pose a threat to public safety, many state and local lawmakers have nonetheless called for stricter rules about who can fly the unmanned aircraft allowed to fly. The FBI is among several investigative agencies and has asked residents to share videos, photos and other information they may have about the drones. What was seen in New Jersey? Dozens of witnesses have reported seeing drones in New Jersey starting in November . The drones were first seen flying along the scenic Raritan River, a waterway that feeds the Round Valley Reservoir, the state’s largest aquifer, about 50 miles (80 kilometers) west of New York City. But sightings were soon reported across the state, including near the Picatinny Arsenal, a U.S. military research and manufacturing facility, and over President-elect Donald Trump’s golf course in Bedminster. The planes were also recently spotted in coastal areas. U.S. Rep. Chris Smith said a Coast Guard commanding officer told him that a dozen drones closely tracked a Coast Guard rescue boat near Barnegat Light and Island Beach State Park in Ocean County over the weekend. Are these drones dangerous ?Governor. Murphy has said the planes pose no threat but has provided no details to support this. Rep. Dawn Fantasia, briefed by the Department of Homeland Security, said the reported drones were up to 6 feet in diameter and sometimes flew with their lights off. This is much larger than those typically flown by drone hobbyists, and she said they appear to evade detection through traditional methods such as helicopters and radio. Officials say some witnesses may actually have seen planes or helicopters rather than drones. Who sent the drones? Authorities say they don’t know who is behind the drones. The FBI, Homeland Security and State Police are investigating the sightings. Authorities say they do not know whether it is a single drone, which has been spotted many times before, or whether multiple aircraft are being flown in a coordinated operation. Speculation is rife online, with some raising 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 these fears. Two Republican congressmen from the Jersey Shore area, Smith and U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew, have called on the military to shoot down the drones, citing security concerns. The Pentagon insists the drones pose no foreign threat. Pentagon spokesman Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said Thursday that the military’s initial assessment, after consultation with the Department of Homeland Security and the National Security Council, was that the drones are not of foreign origin – remains unchanged. Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh said on Wednesday that the planes were not US military drones. Are drones allowed in New Jersey? Flying drones for recreational and commercial purposes is legal in New Jersey, but is subject to local and Federal Aviation Administration regulations and flight restrictions. Operators must be FAA certified. Have drones been spotted anywhere else? Sightings have also been reported in neighboring New York and Pennsylvania. Drones were also spotted in the United Kingdom last month The U.S. Air Force said several small unmanned aircraft were spotted near four bases in England used by American forces.