Coyotes spotted near Regent University

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) - After reported coyote sightings near Regent University, the school has issued a warning to be mindful of the animals.

“Recently, CBN/Regent Campus Police have received credible reports of coyote sightings in the wooded area across from Regent Village,” an alert sent by the university said. “Police officials contacted the Virginia Game Warden who confirmed that coyotes are running in packs in the Virginia Beach area and have been known to attack small domesticated animals as prey.”

Regent officials say the coyotes are feeding off the deer population that live in the wooded areas near campus but will be looking for new food sources after the deer move on.

“This is a concern for small children and infants, but adults should also be mindful,” the alert continued.

Due to the sightings, the university is asking those near the school to take the following precautions:

• Do not leave children unattended in any location on Regent/CBN property.
• Be watchful of children playing outside in Regent Village recreational areas (BBQ and volleyball pit, playground and soccer field area).
• Coyote packs move very fast and pick up their prey as they are running past. Stay close by your children when they are playing outside.
• Coyotes are most active at night, between dusk and dawn. Campus sightings have occurred close to dawn, so be especially cautious if you are outdoors during these hours.
• Please take care when walking, jogging or playing in other common/recreational areas on the CBN/Regent Campus including, but not limited to: Volleyball pit and playground outside Founder's Inn, exterior of the Comons, recreational areas at Oxford Trace, Amerigroup pond; trails, sidewalks, and walkways.
• Keep out of the wooded areas around campus.

Report any coyote sightings immediately to Campus Police at 757-226-2075.

Officers will be patrolling the wooded areas.