The Latest: Rare Attack by Rabid Coyote in Rhode Island
Coyote Attacks Two Individuals in Neighboring Towns
Incidents Occur in Johnston and Scituate
A single rabid coyote in Rhode Island is believed to have attacked two people in neighboring towns in the span of two days, according to state environmental officials. In the first incident, a 58-year-old hiker was attacked on Friday in a wooded area north of Belfield Drive in Johnston, sustaining a minor leg injury. The same coyote is thought to have attacked another person in Scituate, about 11 miles away from Johnston. The hiker managed to subdue the coyote by pinning it down, resulting in the animal’s death. The environmental management officers then took the coyote for testing.
Rabies Infection Confirmed
Tests on the coyote attacked on Friday revealed it was rabid, according to the Rhode Island Department of Health. The state veterinarian, Dr. Scott Marshall, mentioned that the rare occurrence of coyote attacks on humans suggests a single coyote might be responsible for both incidents. In order to support this assumption, one of the biologists will compare the dental structure of the coyote with the bites of the first victim.
Low Prevalence of Coyote Attacks and Rabies in Rhode Island
Coyote attacks on humans are extremely rare in Rhode Island, and the presence of rabid coyotes is even rarer. The state’s health laboratory conducted tests on 536 animals in 2022, with only 5% of them testing positive for the rabies virus. Although the majority of tests occurred during the late summer months, rabies-positive animals can be found throughout the year. However, the health department highlighted that no human case of rabies has been reported in Rhode Island since 1940.
Rabies in Rhode Island
Rabies has been endemic in Rhode Island since 1994, primarily in the raccoon population. Around 0.7% of reported animal bite incidents between 2010 and 2014 involved coyotes. However, no coyotes tested positive for rabies between 2021 and 2023. Other species in the state, such as raccoons, contribute to the majority of terrestrial rabies cases.
Action and Precautions to Take
Dr. Marshall emphasized that coyote attacks on humans are extremely rare and urged anyone in Johnston and Scituate who may have had contact with the coyote to contact the health department. Furthermore, the health department stressed the importance of seeking medical attention immediately in case of a bite or scratch by a wild animal, as post-exposure vaccination is crucial to prevent fatality. This applies to individuals with known or likely exposure to rabies, even if they have previously received pre-exposure protection.
