Citrus College Campus Safety officers reported students and staff spotted coyotes on campus.
Campus Safety dispatcher Bert De los Santos said there have been multiple coyote sightings over the past two weeks.
“They’re looking for food,” De los Santos said.
In a timely warning email, Campus Safety warned students to be cautious..
Campus Safety reported the sightings occurred near Citrus Stadium.
The email included ways to deter the animals and instructions for coyote encounters.
The email advised making loud noises and appearing larger than normal.
Glendora Police Services Manager Chuck Ochoa advised caution, but not alarm when dealing with the animals.
“Coyotes don’t harm people and they are typically more scared of you than you are of them,” Ochoa said.
Ochoa still warned students to stay as far away from coyotes as possible.
Students are taking their own precautions to avoid coyote encounters.
“After that email my parents insist on driving me home after school,” said Emmanuel Alvarez, a freshman Citrus student.
Alvarez said after the email his mother was uncomfortable letting him walk home, something he has done since high school.
Azusa Police said they usually call animal control in case the coyotes start to get violent or are suspected of having rabies. Officials from Animal Control are called on site to sedate the animal and return it back up to the foothills.
The California Department of Agriculture website said coyotes generally attack small animals including cats and dogs but not people.
Environmental Health & Safety Supervisor at Citrus College Jeff Eichler said the animals are scavenging.
“They mostly just roam around the campus going through trash cans,” Eichler said.
Coyote sightings have also affected residents of surrounding areas.
Glendora resident Gabriela Hernandez encountered coyotes when walking her pet dog.
“My dog started barking and when I looked up, there were two coyotes looking at me,” Hernandez said.
Hernandez said Sightings are becoming more common in the foothills due to the recent wildfires and ongoing house construction.
Eichler requested those spotting coyotes contact him at (626) 914-8704 or ext. 8704.
