A coyote attack to an adult victim was reported on the Upper Cascadilla Gorge trail on Monday, according to a University-wide email sent Monday evening.
According to the email, an adult unaffiliated with the University was traveling west on the northern side of the trail — near the Trolley Foot Bridge by Oak Avenue — when the attack occurred. The Sun visually confirmed the coyote roaming around campus into the night, with sightings around Teagle Hall at 11 p.m.
The University is currently working with campus, local and state wildlife experts to address the coyote on campus, according to a Tuesday email statement by the Cornell University Division of Public Safety. The statement additionally urged readers to avoid contact with any wild animals and to report bites to the Tompkins County Whole Health Environmental Health Division to see if any post-exposure rabies infection treatment is necessary.
“We urge all members of our community to keep a safe distance from and avoid any contact with this coyote,” the email statement wrote. “Please do not feed or approach any wildlife.”
According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, coyotes are New York State’s largest wild dog species. However, the species has only inhabited the state since the 1940s, with a growing population that can now be found across the state, including all five boroughs of New York City and Long Island.
The DEC recommends waving arms and making noise, such as clapping, to deter coyotes from approaching.
The statement asked community members to report any campus sightings of coyotes by calling Cornell University Public Safety Communications at (607) 255-1111 or Tompkins County Whole Health Environmental Health Division at (607) 274-6688.
Gabriel Muñoz is a member of the class of 2026 at the College of Arts and Sciences. He serves as city editor for the 143rd editorial board. He previously served as city editor for the 142nd Editorial Board and news editor for the 141st Editorial Board. He can be contacted at gmunoz@cornellsun.com.
