Westchester officials are warning people to be on the lookout for a possibly rabid coyote after the animal attacked a woman, biting her ankle. The woman is now being treated for possible rabies exposure.
The attack took place on Wednesday evening, Sept. 23, on the Old Croton Aqueduct path near Warburton Avenue in Hastings-on-Hudson. The potentially rabid coyote remains on the loose and has been seen in Greenburgh over the past few days, officials said.
Westchester health officials want to hear from anyone else who could have come in contact with the coyote, which is described as large and aggressive.
What to do if you see the coyote
Westchester Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler said the animal's aggressive behavior means it could be rabid.
If you see the animal, authorities
said, take these actions:
- Do not approach it.
- Contact police immediately.
- Make loud noises and slowly back away.
- Residents should closely supervise children and pets when outside.
Hastings and Dobbs Ferry police and animal control officers from Greenburgh are actively looking for the animal. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Police are also involved.
What are signs an animal has rabies?
Unusual behavior may be the first sign of rabies in an animal.
That can include an animal that's acting abnormally aggressive or unusually tame. It may lose fear of people and become excited and irritable, or appear passive and lethargic.
Staggering and frothing at the mouth are also sometimes present.
Avoid contact with any stray or wild animal acting strangely, health officials said.
Take measures that avoid attracting wild animals, including keeping trash can lids secure and not leaving pet food outdoors.
Actions to avoid any potential rabies exposure
Report any physical contact with a wild or unfamiliar animal should be reported to a healthcare provider.
Report all animal bites or contacts with animals suspected of having rabies to the Westchester County Department of Health at 914-813-5000, 24 hours a day.
New York State law requires dogs, cats and ferrets to be vaccinated against rabies and receive regular booster shots.
More: www.westchestergov.com/health, the RABIES INFOLINE at 914-813-5010 or outside Westchester, your local county health department.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Rabies warning issued after coyote bites Westchester woman
