A coyote made an unannounced visit to the John Hopkins Middle School campus Friday morning, catching the attention of St. Petersburg police officers but never threatening anyone at the school. Officers kept a close watch on the animal while students and staff stayed inside, and the coyote eventually wandered off the property on its own.
According to Tampa Bay 28, officers monitored the coyote to make sure everyone at the school remained safe. The outlet reported that the animal did not act aggressively and left campus without incident.
Police and School Response
Per the St. Petersburg Police Department, the School Resource Officers unit lists Officer Radhames Gonzalez as the SRO assigned to John Hopkins Middle School, a role that includes providing a law-enforcement presence on campus. John Hopkins Middle School's site lists the school's address and office contact information for parents who want to follow up with questions.
How to Avoid Coyote Conflicts
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission notes that coyotes live throughout Florida but are generally shy around people and rarely pose a threat. The agency recommends "hazing" techniques, such as making loud noises or using noisemakers, to encourage coyotes to move along, and advises people not to feed wildlife.
FWC also urges residents to remove attractants, secure trash, and keep small pets indoors or on short leashes, particularly around dawn and dusk, when wildlife is more active.
What Parents Can Do
Pinellas County Schools encourages families to report safety concerns through district tools such as FortifyFL and the Say Something system, and to contact the school directly if they have questions. For non-emergencies, residents can use the St. Petersburg Police non-emergency line, while any aggressive or unusual wildlife behavior should be reported to the FWC regional office.
