Health Officials Issue Warning About Possible Rabies Exposure Through Contact With Wild Coyote

WESTCHESTER, NY — Health officials are warning about a potentially diseased coyote.

The Westchester County Department of Health said it wants to hear from anyone who has had recent contact with the large, aggressive and possibly rabid coyote that has been seen in Greenburgh over the past few days.

The coyote attacked a woman on the Old Croton Aqueduct path near Warburton Avenue in Hastings on Wednesday evening. It remains at large.

The woman is being treated preventively for rabies after the coyote bit her ankle.

"Anyone who sees the coyote should not approach the animal, but should contact police immediately," Westchester County Health Commissioner Sherlita Amler said. "Make loud noises and slowly back away. Due to its aggressive behavior, the coyote may be rabid. Residents should closely supervise children and pets when outside.”

Hastings and Dobbs Ferry police, along with animal control officers from Greenburgh, are looking for the animal and consulting with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Police.

Unusual behavior may be the first sign of rabies in an animal. A rabid animal may become either abnormally aggressive or unusually tame. It may lose fear of people and become excited and irritable, or appear particularly passive and lethargic. Staggering and frothing at the mouth are sometimes noted.

Concerns that rabies may have spread to other pets or wild animals.

Anyone who see any stray or wild animal acting strangely is being warned to avoid contact with the animal and alert local authorities to avoid possible exposure to rabies. Residents in Westchester are also advised to keep their trash can lids securely sealed and avoid leaving pet food outdoors.

Any physical contact with a wild or unfamiliar animal should be reported to a health care provider. All animal bites or contacts with animals suspected of having rabies must be reported to the Westchester County Department of Health at 914-813-5000, 24 hours a day.

Keeping pet rabies vaccinations up to date is also important for protection against rabies, health officials said. More information can be found at westchestercountyny.gov/health or the rabies info-line at 914-813-5010.