Coyote pup found at Brandeis tests positive for rodenticide previously used on campus

BY CYD ABNET ● August 21, 2025 ● The Waltham Times

A young coyote found at Brandeis University on July 25 has tested positive for a significant amount of second-generation anticoagulant rat poisons, two of which Brandeis University has reported using in the past. The coyote was found alive and died while in the care of a wildlife rehabilitator. Before its death, the rehabilitator reported that the coyote had a delayed blood clotting time, which is typical of SGAR-poisoned wildlife.

Sonja Wadman, director of Waltham Land Trust, says that Brandeis has pledged to stop SGAR use on their property. Wadman and the president of Brandeis Students for Environmental Action attended a meeting on May 1 with two Brandeis officials to discuss their SGAR use.