Rabid coyote reported in Westchester

WESTCHESTER COUNTY, N.Y. - County health officials sent out an alert after a rabid coyote attacked three people and two dogs in southern Westchester.

The scary incidents occurred on Monday, March 9, near the Siwanoy Country Club on Pondfield Road in Bronxville and Twin Lakes Park on California Road in Eastchester.

Eastchester police believe they have killed the animal involved. It tested positive for rabies, the county said Wednesday, March 11.

Anyone who has been bitten or scratched by an animal should seek medical attention immediately.

Also, any animal bite or physical contact with an animal suspected of having rabies must be reported to the Westchester County Department of Health at (914) 813-5000, available 24 hours a day.

Residents who may have had any contact with a wild or stray animal are also advised to notify their health care provider and contact the Health Department right away for guidance.

SIGNS OF RABIES

Unusual behavior is often the first sign of rabies in an animal.

A rabid animal may appear aggressive or unusually tame, lose its fear of people, act irritable or excitable, or seem lethargic.

Other possible signs include staggering or frothing at the mouth.

Any animal behaving strangely should be reported to local authorities.

TAKE PRECAUTIONS

Westchester County Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler urged folks to always steer clear of wild animals and strays and to teach their kids never to approach or handle animals they don’t know, even if they appear young, injured, or friendly.

Children should be told to report any bite or scratch immediately. It is also important to keep pets’ rabies vaccinations up to date and take steps to discourage wild animals from visiting your yard, she said.

Amler also said that residents should bat-proof their homes, keep trash cans tightly sealed, and avoid leaving pet food or water outside, which can attract wildlife.

Keeping pets vaccinated against rabies is also essential. State law requires dogs, cats and ferrets to be vaccinated against rabies and to receive regular booster shots.

NORTH SALEM 2022 ATTACK

In the fall of 2022, a suspected rabid coyote went after two women out walking on Turkey Hill Road in North Salem.

One of them was bitten several times and had to have rabies shots; the other was not seriously injured.

When a motorist stopped to help, the animal pounced on their car’s tires. Attacking inanimate objects is a sign of rabies.

The coyote ran off and was never found. However, once an animal is showing clinical signs of rabies, it will typically die within seven to 10 days.

While the incubation period (time from bite to symptoms) can last weeks or months, the disease progresses rapidly once symptoms appear, often resulting in death in less than a week.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

For more information about rabies prevention, visit www.westchestergov.com/health or call the Rabies Infoline at (914) 813-5010.