Brandeis University student possibly bitten by coyote

WALTHAM, Mass. (WHDH) -- Brandeis University students are on alert after a person was possibly bitten by a coyote on the school’s campus early Wednesday morning.

Brandeis University officials say the student was walking through the campus center when the animal, believed to be a coyote, bit her. The student went to the health center and is being treated.

On the same night, Dave Decola was out admiring Waltham's Christmas lights. Suddenly, he says he came face to face with a pack of coyotes.

“There were three coyotes cutting right in front of the car. One was the size of a German Shepherd and the other two followed right behind it,” Decola said.

The Decola's were safe in their car during their brief run in on Raffaelle Drive.

“They probably heard the car engine and scampered up the hill,” said Decola’s wife.

They wonder if one of the animals they saw could have gone on the attack hours later.

“It's opposite sides of town but I'd imagine given the nature of the woods in the area they could probably find a way from one side to the other,” Decola said.

School officials sent out a letter to students and staff members warning them of the possible danger.

While the news has raised students’ concerns, they are just focused on finals this week.

“Never seen a coyote around campus, so I hope it doesn’t find me,” said Berk Sarioz, a student.

“One of my co-workers just said there must be a road runner around so that’s sort of how we’re taking it. It just seems like an outlier,” said Gracie Dobbyn, staff member.