Could Road Runner be far behind?

Three coyotes were spotted in front of Lewisohn Hall this morning, according to an e-mail sent out by Barnard Public Safety.

A witness called 911 and the New York Police Department responded, according to the e-mail. NYPD officers saw one of the animals and recognized it as a coyote. The coyote that NYPD spotted walked behind the Schapiro Center for Engineering and Physical Science Research and is believed to have left campus.

In addition to the coyote identified by NYPD, an unconfirmed sighting was called into Columbia Facilities at around 10 a.m. “All members of the community are advised not to approach these animals,” Barnard Director of Public Safety Dianna Pennetti said.

Urban coyote sightings have apparently been on the rise in the past few years.

Spectator put in a call to Public Safety, but the office had no additional information about the coyote sightings, and could not explain why only Barnard students received the e-mail alert. A Public Safety official confirmed that NYPD had left the campus, and told Spectator to “keep safe.”

Anyone who sees a coyote is encouraged to call Columbia Public Safety at 212-854-5555 or Barnard Public Safety at 212-854-3362.