UCSC police receive reports of aggressive coyotes on campus

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (KION) UC Santa Cruz police said they have received several reports of coyotes showing aggressive behavior or coming close to people, and they are warning those on campus to be aware of their surroundings.

Police said the most recent reports were from Family Student Housing, Rachel Carson College and Oakes College.

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 has provided suggestions 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 said that in addition to coyotes, there are mountain lions, snakes, bats and other animals around campus.