Man Killed a Coyote
Officials in Rhode Island says a hiker killed a coyote with his bare hands, after being bitten on the leg. This victim has not bee identified, but reported hiking in Johnston on Friday. During that time, the hiker was attacked by a rabid coyote.
After being bitten on the leg, his rabies test came back positive. The victim pinned the coyote down by its neck and cut off its air supply to kill the animal, according to the AP. The same coyote is believed to have attacked a dog walker on Thursday in nearby Scituate, Rhode Island DEM announced.
Following Information
Anyone in Johnston or Scituate “who may have come into contact with the coyote” have been urged to phone the “RIDOH Infectious Disease division,” Rhode Island State Veterinarian Dr. Scott Marshall said in a press release. Furthermore, Dr. Marshall went on to advise pet owners to bring their animals in to their vets if they had interacted with the infect coyote.
The department has also urged, to keep away from all strays. As well as bringing pets who may have come in contact with one to the vet. As for the owners or people who may have come in contact with a situation like this, should be seen. Even if they are up to date with their shots.
Back in January of 2020, a man fatally strangled a coyote with his bare hands after it attacked him and his family. However in this situation, the animal was tested for rabies but whether they came back positive was not disclosed.
What is Rabies?
It is unusual for a coyote to attack a human under normal circumstances. This is only the third reported rabid coyote in Rhode Island since 1994, according to officials.
As the disease progresses, the person may experience delirium, abnormal behavior, hallucinations, hydrophobia (fear of water), and insomnia. The acute period of disease typically ends after two to 10 days. Once clinical signs of rabies appear, the disease is nearly always fatal, and treatment is typically supportive.
By: Key Robertson
Sources:
Fox News: Rhode Island hiker gets bitten by coyote before killing it with his bare hands, tests reveal animal had rabies
People: Rhode Island Hiker Kills Rabid Coyote with Bare Hands After Being Bitten on the Leg During Attack
NBC News: Rhode Island hiker killed rabid coyote with bare hands after being bitten on leg
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Inset Image Courtesy of Dan Dzurisin Flickr Page-Creative Commons License
