Woman Bitten by Suspected Rabid Coyote on Westchester Hiking Trail
Officials urge vigilance and immediate reporting of any unusual animal behavior.
A woman was bitten by a coyote believed to be rabid on a hiking trail in Westchester County on Wednesday. Authorities are now advising residents to be alert and report any encounters with animals exhibiting strange behavior.
The incident occurred along the Old Croton Aqueduct path near Warburton Avenue in Hastings, within the Old Croton Aqueduct State Historic Park. The victim is currently receiving emergency preventative rabies treatment, according to the Westchester County Health Department.
"Anyone who sees the coyote should not approach the animal but should contact police immediately," stated Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler. "Make loud noises and slowly back away. Due to its aggressive behavior, the coyote may be rabid. Residents should closely supervise children and pets when outside."
Law enforcement agencies, including police from Hastings and Dobbs Ferry, along with Greenburgh animal control and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Police, are actively searching the area for the animal.
Rabid animals often display erratic behavior, such as a loss of fear of humans, unprovoked aggression, or extreme lethargy. Other signs can include staggering and foaming at the mouth.
Westchester residents who observe stray or wild animals acting unusually are instructed to report it to a health care provider without delay. All animal bites or potential exposures to animals suspected of having rabies should be reported to the Westchester County Department of Health at (914) 813-5000, available 24 hours a day.
State law mandates rabies vaccinations for dogs, cats, and ferrets, with regular booster shots required. This incident follows a public advisory earlier this month regarding a potentially rabid fox sighted in Staten Island's Mount Loretto Unique Area. Data from New York City indicates a significant increase in rabies cases, with rabid raccoons contributing to a 57% faster pace of reported cases across Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island compared to the previous year.