Possibly Rabid Coyote Attacks Lower Hudson Valley Residents

Officials warned the public after a likely rabid coyote attacked a number of lower Hudson Valley residents.

On Monday, a woman told Westchester Police that an aggressive looking coyote attacked her and her dog as they walked near the Mystic Pointe Condominiums.

“The animal did make contact with the resident in that case," Ossining Police chief Kevin Sylvester told CBS. “Unsure whether it was bites or scratches, but the animal did make contact, which is always concerning to us.”

Another Westchester resident, Miguel Hernandez, tossed his blood stained pants after he was bitten several times by an aggressive coyote, Monday afternoon. It's unclear if it was the same animal.

“The coyote was very aggressive and kept charging,” Hernandez informed CBS. “I tried to scare it and then it came back.”

Wednesday morning, an unnamed off-duty NYPD officer fired two warning shots from his service gun to scare off a threatening coyote that was charging after him. Another man said he was also attacked by a wild coyote, Wednesday morning.

Thursday morning, a suspected rabid coyote was killed by Ossining Police, CBS reports.

However, it’s not known if the animal that was killed was the one responsible for the recent attacks. It’s possible there are multiple coyotes in the local area, officials say.

Ossining Police issued some helpful tips for anyone that comes in contact with a coyote:

• Be vigilant when walking pets, especially small animals, and keep them on a leash (pssst, that's already a law here in Ossining)
• Keep all garbage secured (preferably indoors)
• Do not leave pet food outdoors
• Limit potential hiding places for animals like wood and rock piles. Seal off spaces underneath decks and porches.