Coyote bites jogger on University of Waterloo campus

A woman received medical treatment after she was bitten by a coyote on the University of Waterloo campus. CTV’s Heather Senoran reports.

Officials at the University of Waterloo issued a warning Wednesday after several coyote sightings and one attack were reported on campus.

On Nov. 12, someone not affiliated with the school was bitten while jogging near the university.

The Special Constable Service, the school’s on-campus security office, were told the woman was running along the pathway from Health Service Road towards Ron Edyt Village, around 6:15 p.m., when she was bitten by the animal. The jogger said she escaped after kicking the coyote.

After reporting the bite, the woman went to the hospital for treatment and all recommended shots. Hospital staff reported the incident to Region of Waterloo Public Health.

The Waterloo Regional Police Service and Humane Society of Kitchener Waterloo & Stratford Perth were also notified.

The university said another coyote sighting was reported by a faculty member on Nov. 14 at the REV loading dock. They had no direct contact with the animal.

“Our campus is surrounded by wooded areas, which we share with urban life,” read a release posted on the University of Waterloo’s website.

“With winter approaching, fallen leaves increase visibility and access to food is limited, so sightings will be more common.”

The City of Waterloo recommends the public keep their distance from all wild animals but, if confronted, make yourself “big and loud” and carry a flashlight at night to scare coyotes off.

Anyone who feels a coyote poses an immediate threat to their safety should call 911.

Region of Waterloo Public Health said it’s important to report all animal bites so staff can investigate and follow-up.

One of the main concerns is rabies.

“Rabies is a potentially fatal virus that attacks the nervous system of warm-blooded animals, including humans,” said Marla Rocca, with Region of Waterloo Public Health.

Students react

Students who use the trail often said they’re surprised coyotes lurk near campus.

“I’ll see like squirrels, rabbits, maybe raccoons, but a coyote is a little crazy to hear about that,” said student Jeremiah Leyiu.

He said since the trail is next to a wooded area, he assumes that’s where the coyotes live.

“God only knows what’s in in those woods,” he said.

Students who live in residence said they heard about the coyote sightings from the university.

“They sent out emails to our residence and we were told about the dangers of walking alone at night,” said Armish, a student who lives in residence near the trail.

Armish said she’s not sure what she would have done if it was her being attacked by a coyote.

“In that situation, it’s fight or flight for me. I don’t know which one I choose,” Armish said.

Others said they likely would be too scared to fight back.

“Honestly I’d go into total shock maybe like start running for my life,” said another student.

Students who frequent the trail said, in light of the events, when the sun goes down they will choose another route.

“I’m not trying to walk here at night and accidentally be bit by a coyote. I don’t know, it’s scary,” Armish said.