Rabid Coyote Attacks Woman in Fall River, Killed by Police

On Monday morning, August 28, 2023, a rabid coyote attacked a woman while walking her dog in Fall River, Massachusetts. The woman was bitten on both legs and her left arm, but she was able to scare away the coyote after screaming at it. She was taken to Rhode Island Hospital for treatment.

The coyote was later shot and killed by police on the Fall River Country Club’s grounds after reportedly threatening workers on the property.

Fall River police spokesman Detective Sgt. Moses Pereira said the woman was walking her dog near her apartment complex on Rolling Green Drive around 5:45 a.m. when she encountered the coyote. The animal aggressively approached her dog, and the woman picked up her dog to protect it. The coyote then turned on the woman and bit her.

The woman was able to scare the coyote away by screaming at it. She then went to her apartment and called 911.

Police responded to the scene and found the coyote still in the area. They shot and killed the animal.

The coyote was taken to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health for testing and confirmed to have rabies.

This is the second time in recent weeks that a coyote has been found to have rabies in Fall River. In July, a coyote was found to have rabies after it attacked a dog.

Police are urging residents to be aware of the dangers of rabies and to take precautions to protect themselves and their pets. These precautions include:

• Keeping pets vaccinated against rabies.
• Not feeding wild animals.
• Avoid contact with wild animals.
• If a wild animal bites you, seek medical attention immediately.

 

Rabies is a deadly virus that can be transmitted through the saliva of infected animals. If a wild animal bites you, it is essential to seek medical attention immediately. The sooner you receive treatment, the better your chances of survival.