The UC Santa Cruz Police Department encourages people on campus or visiting campus to be extra aware of their surroundings after receiving several reports of coyotes acting aggressively or coming in proximity to people.
The most recent reports have come from people at Family Student Housing, Rachel Carson College and Oakes College. In one incident, a campus resident was able to fend off a coyote attacking their small dog. The coyote followed them home.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife offers these suggestions to help prevent interactions between humans and coyotes:
- Never feed or attempt to tame coyotes. The result may be deadly conflicts with pets or livestock, or serious injuries to small children.
- Do not leave small children or pets outside unattended.
- Be aware that coyotes are more active in the spring, when feeding and protecting their young.
- If followed by a coyote, make loud noises. If this fails, throw rocks in the animal’s direction.
- If a coyote attacks a person, immediately contact the nearest Department of Fish and Wildlife or law enforcement office.
In addition to coyotes, UC Santa Cruz is home to mountain lions, snakes, bats, and more. The department has more information online about living, studying, and working around campus wildlife.
