Lang
5/21/24
University of Iowa Police are investigating a reported coyote attack on campus.
According to a news release from the UI Department of Public Safety, UI Police responded to an animal bite report on the west side of campus on Monday. The victim told police she was walking along the Mormon Handcart Trail near Hawkeye Court at approximately 4 p.m. when she felt something biting her ankle. The victim then turned around and discovered it looked like a coyote. The animal lunged at the victim and began to bite and scratch, causing injuries.
UI Police searched the area and were unable to locate the animal. Investigators have also consulted with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources who shared that coyote attacks are uncommon in the state of Iowa.
UI Police say if you encounter an animal behaving strangely or aggressively, get to safety and report it immediately. In an emergency, call 911.
Because of the possibility of rabies, Iowa City Animal Services recommends anyone bitten by an unfamiliar animal seek professional medical attention immediately to ensure there is no infection and file a bite report with Animal Services or a local law enforcement agency.