Coyotes wander onto NYC college campus

NEW YORK, Feb. 9 (UPI) -- Experts said three coyotes spotted on a New York college campus in Manhattan are just the first pioneers of a likely continuing migration.

The predators were spotted Sunday morning on the Columbia University campus and a responding officer confirmed one as a coyote, New York's WABC-TV reported Monday.

Campus administrators sent e-mail alerts to students warning them to keep an eye out for the wild animals.

Stanley Gehrt, an associate professor in wildlife ecology at Ohio State University, said coyotes are often seen drifting into cities.

"It's not uncommon at all, and it's going to increase in frequency," he said.

He said coyotes are going urban because they are seeking new territory. Experts said young coyotes are especially prone to seek new areas during breeding season.