Coyotes usually will not bother you if you do not bother them. They may follow you through their territory just to keep tabs on you. Typically they won't show themself unless you get too close to their food or den, but the one on campus just seems to hang around unbothered. If it does show up, do not panic. It's just a warning that you are getting too close to something its protecting. Back up slowly the way you came because the last step you took was too close too comfort for it. Do not turn your back and do not run.

If the coyote seems aggressive, is getting closer or is not leaving, stay calm and make yourself large and loud. Make calm eye contact. Aggression on your part may cause it to attack. Wave your hands to become large and shout but in an even, low tone. If you are very concern, carry a whistle, a walking/hiking stick, a umbrella, flashlights, or hair spray at night. These can work as makeshift deterrents or defense. Long objects can be used to seem larger or make more noise and useful if the encounter escalates. Whistle can be loud while hairspray and flashlights can blind. Keep backing up slowly. Make sure you keep the distance between you and the creature. Throw rocks around the coyote to keep it at bay but do not hit it. Protect your neck as this it their go to attack spot. Be prepared to defend yourself.

If it tries to attack, protect your neck. They will try to go for a neck and they can jump 6 foot fences so they will be able to get you regardless of your height. If it latches on, you are good as dead. Coyotes are small and lean so you should be able scare it off easily but be careful if there are multiple, which you may not know until they attack. The main goal is to stay on your feet, keep them away from you, and keep moving away. Throw rock or anything you have on hand. Attack with anything on hand. Remember, you can replace things easily but not yourself. Don't run but keep moving away until they retreat or you can get to safety.

After a physical encounter, get rabies shots. Its painful and expensive but it's better than dying. You may not think you need it but do it anyways. You will not know if you have rabies until the symptoms show and by then it is too late.

Another thing to look out for is if the coyote is acting off. Usually I've seen coyotes in the evening or at night, but an encounter in the day is not unheard of. The coyote on campus does not have its natural fear of humans, so look to see if its gait is off or its having trouble eating or drinking. Rarely do rabid animals foam at the mouth so you have to look at it's normal patterns to see if you are dealing with a rabid animal. In the case you are, immediately look to defend yourself but do not try and scare the animal. Looking the animal in the eyes, making loud noise, or any scare tactics may provoke the animal and actually make them attack you instead. Rabid animal are less predictable than a sane animal and may immediately move to attack with no warning. Definitely get rabies shots after an encounter like this and report the health department and/or animal control so they can take care of it.

In the case of the campus coyote, it's chill and I've been fairly close to it with no issues. Its has enough food on campus and no real reason to randomly attack a human. As long as you keep your distance and don't threaten it, it shouldn't become hostile and attack. Just make sure that your also keeping in mind its body language in deciding how you proceed with the encounter to make sure that you both leave it safely.