Rabid Coyote Attacks Young Girl in Hudson Valley

A young child was attacked and bitten by a rabid coyote in the Hudson Valley.

Kasey King-Petrellese says the animal came out of nowhere and attacked her 5-year-old girl Sunday afternoon at James M. Carroll Park in Thornwood.

The mother tried to stop the animal, but the coyote kept attacking her 5-year-old until an off-duty officer, Irvington police officer Arcangelo Liberatore, pulled the animal away.

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Liberatore sat on the animal until police arrived. A Mount Pleasant police officer later shot the animal.

The coyote bit the 5-year-old in her left forearm, officials say. The girl, her mom and the off-duty cop were all given rabies shots. The child also needed stitches.

Officials confirmed on Tuesday the animal tested positive for rabies.

“If a coyote approaches, make noise and try to avoid it,” Health Commissioner Sherlita Amler said in a press release. “If it appears aggressive or lethargic, it could have rabies, so contact local police. Avoid contact with strays and other wildlife.”