Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SALT LAKE CITY — University of Utah officials are urging caution Saturday after two coyotes were spotted on campus in pursuit of a deer.
The coyotes were last seen in the evening about 8 p.m., officials said, leaving Officers Circle and heading toward Red Butte Canyon. University police officers responded and confirmed the sighting after initial reports.
"Those on campus or visiting the Red Butte Canyon area should be cautious and aware of their surroundings," the university wrote in a campus alert, "especially if accompanied by pets."
Students who "have an encounter with an aggressive animal" should call 911 or alert the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, the alert says.
Wild Aware Utah recommends that Utahns who encounter a coyote:
- Make noise while hiking to alert wildlife
- Do not approach
- Pick up small pets, make loud noises, stomp your feet, or throw rocks or sticks if necessary to frighten the coyote away.
- Do not run or turn your back on a coyote that has approached you. Face the coyote, shout at it, be as big and loud as possible, wave your arms and back away slowly.