UPDATE: There have been increased sightings of bobcats and coyotes close to and on campus. Please stay aware of your surroundings. 

An abundance of wildlife lives on the lands surrounding CSU Monterey Bay, and University Police remind everyone to be aware of their presence and stay safe.

“We've had more sightings since everyone started returning [to campus],” Police Chief Earl Lawson said. He advises community members to learn safety guidelines and “do your best to steer clear of animals in their natural environment.”

CSUMB’s campus and the East Campus housing areas are close to land that is home to many species of wildlife including bobcats, coyotes, mountain lions, wild pigs, wild turkeys, deer, raccoons, and skunks. 

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife instructs people to respect wildlife and keep their distance. Store food and trash properly so that wildlife does not develop unnatural foraging behavior and venture into neighborhoods. This puts both people and animals at risk. Wildlife can become susceptible to vehicle strikes, pesticide poisoning, injury from other wildlife, and disease.

Learn about safety and wildlife including bobcats, coyotes, and mountain lions on Fish and Wildlife's Keep Me Wild general information page. University Police also provides information on its Local Wildlife Safety webpage. 

Report wildlife sightings to police at 831-655-0268 only if an animal is behaving in an unusual or aggressive manner. Call 911 for emergencies.

(This announcement was originally published Sept. 16, 2021)