UC Santa Cruz police are warning people of close and potentially dangerous encounters with coyotes on campus.
Police say they have received several reports of coyotes showing aggressive behavior or coming close to people. In one incident, police said a person living on campus fended off a coyote attacking their dog, but the coyote followed them home.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife provided these ideas for staying safe around coyotes:
- Do not feed or try to tame coyotes.
- Do not leave small children or pets outside unattended.
- Know that coyotes are more active in the spring when they are feeding and protecting their young.
- Make loud noises if you are followed by a coyote. If that does not work, throw rocks in its direction.
- If a coyote attacks a person, contact the Department of Fish and Wildlife or law enforcement.
Police remind us that besides coyotes, there are mountain lions, snakes, bats, and other animals around campus.
