This content was published: May 14, 2019. Phone numbers, email addresses, and other information may have changed.
Sylvania: May 13, 2019
Posted by Melissa
Recently there have been a number of coyote sightings on the PCC Sylvania Campus with the most recent being Monday, May 13, 2019 at 2:45pm. While coyotes closely resemble a small dog in appearance, the distinctive characteristics that set the species apart are upright, pointed ears, a pointed snout, low forehead, a mottled color fur pattern ranging from black to reddish-blonde and a bushy tail that is generally carried straight out below the level of the back. Coyotes are active mainly during the nighttime, but they can be moving at any time during the day. Most sightings of coyotes occur during the hours close to sunrise and sunset.
Though coyotes are far from domesticated, they are comfortable living near humans. They have little fear of man and are often seen trotting along within a few feet of joggers and walkers. While not normally a threat to humans, coyotes will display defensive behaviors if threatened or cornered. Therefore, it is important to leave a comfortable distance between you and a coyote.
The PCC Department of Public Safety offers the following advice:
- Do not approach the coyote. Keep a distance and leave the area but do not run. Keep constant eye contact with the coyote and continue to move toward other people, a building or an area of activity.
- One method of frightening a coyote away from you is to appear as large and as threatening as possible. Make aggressive gestures towards the animal (moving arms and legs), shout in a loud but low voice, and throw rocks, sticks or other objects at the coyote.
- Do not feed the animal. Once the coyote associates the area as a food supply it will return.
- Contact the Department of Public Safety at 971-722-4902 should you have a dangerous encounter with a coyote.
- More information about coyotes.