A single rabid coyote has been responsible for attacking two people in Rhode Island, according to state environmental officials. The incidents occurred in neighboring towns within a span of two days. The first attack took place on Friday when a 58-year-old hiker was bitten by the coyote in a wooded area north of Belfield Drive in Johnston. The hiker sustained a minor leg injury and was taken to the hospital for treatment. Fortunately, he was able to subdue the coyote by pinning it down by its neck, resulting in the animal’s death. Environmental management officers then took the coyote for testing.
The same coyote is believed to have attacked another person in Scituate, approximately 11 miles away, on Thursday. The state veterinarian, Dr. Scott Marshall, explained that the rarity of humans being victims of coyote attacks suggests that a single coyote is responsible for both incidents. To confirm this assumption, one of the biologists will compare the dental structure of the coyote with the bites of the first victim.
The coyote taken on Friday was confirmed to be rabid after testing by the Rhode Island Department of Health. In 2022, the state’s health laboratory tested 536 animals, with 5% testing positive for rabies. While the highest number of tests occurred during the late summer months, rabies-positive animals can be found throughout the year.
It is important to note that human cases of rabies are extremely rare, with no reported cases in Rhode Island since 1940. However, rabies is endemic in the state, particularly among terrestrial animals since 1994. The dominant strain is the raccoon variant, accounting for approximately one-third of positive tests among raccoons. Coyotes, on the other hand, made up only 0.7% of reported animal bite incidents between 2010 and 2014, and no coyotes tested positive for rabies between 2021 and 2023.
Dr. Marshall emphasized that humans being attacked by coyotes is also highly uncommon. Nevertheless, he urged anyone in Scituate and Johnston who may have come into contact with the coyote to contact the health department’s infectious disease division. In the event of a wild animal bite or scratch, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention. Without a post-exposure vaccine series, rabies cases are almost always fatal. Therefore, post-exposure vaccination should be administered as soon as possible to anyone with a known or likely exposure to rabies, even those who have received pre-exposure protection.
The recent coyote attacks serve as a reminder of the importance of being cautious around wildlife and taking necessary precautions to prevent encounters. While such incidents are rare, it is crucial to report any suspicious behavior or encounters with potentially rabid animals to local authorities. By staying informed and following the guidance of health professionals, individuals can help ensure their safety and prevent the spread of rabies.
