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Animals on Campus

If an animal appears to be a danger, is injured or may be injured, call the campus police at (831) 459-2231 ext.1. If an animal is posing a threat to people or animals, dial 9-1-1. 

Domestic Animals

Domestic animals that are not service animals as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are prohibited on all UC Santa Cruz property unless specifically exempted by the UC Santa Cruz Non-Research Animal Policy. Please see the policy for guidelines and regulations for exempted animals.

Service Animals

Service Animals as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are permitted on UC Santa Cruz property. For more information, see the UC Santa Cruz Service/Support Animal Policy.

Wild Animals

FEEDING OF WILD ANIMALS PROHIBITED

Pursuant to 14 CCR § 251.1 (California Code of Regulations) feeding wild animals on campus is prohibited and violators may be subject to time in jail and/or fines. This includes hand feeding or leaving food out for the purpose of feeding any wild animal, including feral cats, on the UC Santa Cruz campus or any property owned or controlled by the UC Regents.  With approval, only food left out as bait for purposes of capturing for animal control or as approved for an educational purpose is permitted.

Various local organizations and campus departments assume responsibility for providing some animal services and/or advice regarding wild animals. The table below provides contact information for assistance with many of the animal-related situations we have encountered on campus.

 

Animal Issues Responsibility Table

Area of Responsibility

Responsible Party

Additional Info

Enforcement

UC Santa Cruz Police
(831) 459-2231 ext. 1

*Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter Services if necessary   
(831) 454-7303

*Will respond only if authorized by the Police Department

Police responsibilities include:

  • Issuing citations, giving warnings and writing reports as they relate to current law and criminal acts involving animals
  • Investigating reports of animal bites along with Santa Cruz County Animal Control
  • Collaborating with EH&S, Grounds and other campus departments, state, and county agencies to evaluate public health situations and take appropriate actions to protect the community

Euthanasia

UC Santa Cruz Police
(831) 459-2231 ext. 1

*Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter Services
(831) 454-7303

*Will respond only if authorized by the Police Department
  • Police will dispatch animals that are injured and suffering, when reasonable to do so.
  • For small, caged, animals requiring euthanasia, the campus veterinarian can be contacted during business hours.
    (831) 459-3135

Service Animals

Student requests: Disability Resource Center
(831) 459-2089

Staff/ Faculty Requests:

Disability Management Coordinator
(831) 459-4602

For more info:

UC Santa Cruz Service/Support Animal Policy

Americans with Disabilities Act

Rodent Control and Trapping

UC Santa Cruz Physical Plant/Grounds
(831) 459-2252

Research Animals

UC Santa Cruz Office of Research Compliance Administration (ORCA)
(831) 459-1473

In an emergency, contact the campus veterinarian at
(831) 713-6722

 

UC Santa Cruz Police assist with:

  • Policy development
  • Development of security plans for facilities

IACUC assists with:

  • Education and training of researchers as it relates to animal research
  • Assuring that staff receive proper training and immunization as required by law or policy

Education and Outreach

UC Santa Cruz Police
(831) 459-2231 ext. 1

Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter Services
(831) 454-7303

Department of Fish and Wildlife
Main: (707) 944-5531
Local Area Contact: (408) 365-1066

Santa Cruz SPCA
(831) 465-5000

Native Animal Rescue
(831) 462-0726

Humane Wildlife Control
(855) 548-6263

Police regularly educate the campus community about relevant wildlife issues and wildlife safety awareness.

Education and outreach include updates on the department web site, presentations, safety literature and communicating through the media in regard to pertinent animal issues.

Large Game Management

UC Santa Cruz Police
(831) 459-2231 ext. 1

*Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter Services (831) 454-7303

*Department of Fish and Wildlife
Main: (707) 944-5531
Local Area Contact:
(408) 365-1066

*Humane Wildlife Control
(855) 548-6263

*Will respond only if authorized by the Police Department

Police will coordinate with appropriate campus departments, state and county agencies to manage incidents as necessary.

Dead Animal Removal

UC Santa Cruz Work Order Desk
(831) 459-4444

After hours

(831) 459-2231 ext 1

Capturing and Containing At-large Animals

UC Santa Cruz Police contract with local organizations to capture or contain wild animals. Permits may be required through the California Department of Fish and Wildlife before commencing these activities.

Possible situations include but are not limited to:

  • Threat to health and/or safety of the campus community
  • Threat to health and/or safety of wildlife

Injured Wildlife

UC Santa Cruz Police respond to reports of injured wildlife.

UC Santa Cruz Police may refer situations involving wildlife to the CA Department of Fish and Wildlife, Santa Cruz County Animal Control or other local resources.

Bat Rescue

Santa Cruz Bats
(831) 421-2233

Removal of injured/sick bats or bats trapped in buildings. Bat inspection/exclusion consultation.

Snakes

UC Santa Cruz Police may refer matters with snakes to a local resource.

Mountain Lion Sightings

UC Santa Cruz Police may be called to address mountain lion sightings. The UC Santa Cruz Puma Project is regularly consulted as well.

Mountain Lion Sighting Information

Predatory Bird Issues

Predatory Bird Research Group
(831) 459-2466

Issues with Livestock

UC Santa Cruz Police

Police have established procedures for handling livestock issues.