Police: Rye Brook Coyote Had Rabies

MYFOXNY.COM - A coyote that apparently attacked two children Sunday and was then killed by police in Rye Brook, N.Y., Monday has tested positive for rabies, the police said.

The Westchester County Department of Health informed Rye Brook police officials of the test results, which could explain the coyote's unusually aggressive behavior, cops said.

Police believe that coyote was the one that attacked two children Sunday. The animal lunged at a 14-year-old boy on Eagles Bluff in the evening. Then a bit later, the coyote attacked a 2-year-old girl.

Authorities urge residents to stay away from coyotes and to call police if they see any. Health officials also urge residents to call the Health Department if their pets come into contact with coyotes.

This latest incident comes growing problem of coyote attacks in Westchester.

In June, 6-year-old Emily Hodulik was attacked by two of the animals outside her home on LaSalle Avenue in Rye. The girl was in the front yard playing with family members when the coyotes pounced, police said.

On June 30, a coyote bit 3-year-old Erika Attar as she played in a Rye backyard.

In July, a Yonkers cop fired at a coyote in a public park.

Wildlife experts say coyotes are usually afraid of people and will run off when humans make loud noises or throw things.

With the AP