A coyote head discovered on the campus of Memorial University in St. John's was part of a prank, police believe.

"It’s a very bizarre sort of an incident," Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Const. Suzanne FitzGerald told reporters on Friday.

"It’s not unusual, however, to see these sorts of pranks occurring within university campuses across the country, and in fact across the world."

The head was found last night — hidden in a bag and placed outside the Bowater House student residence.

A note was attached, but FitzGerald said its contents and other details won't be released.

FitzGerald said police are investigating to determine whether Memorial University property was stolen.

She said tags were attached to the animal's head, which will help police identify where it came from and whether it was stolen.