A coyote that was killed last week after it reportedly attacked two women at separate locations has tested positive for rabies, according to the county.
The coyote was shot and killed Thursday after reported attacks that day in Ashton and Burtonsville, according to police.
Rabies is fatal in humans if left untreated, according to the county. Anyone who may have had contact with the coyote is advised to check with their primary care physician to discuss potential further actions or treatments. If someone does not have a primary care physician, they are told to call the county’s Department of Health and Human Services Disease Control Program at 240-777-1755.
In the first reported attack Thursday, a woman walking her dog was attacked by a coyote in the 1400 block of Patuxent Drive in Ashton near the Watershed Park, according to police. She was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, police said. Later that day, it was reported that a woman was attacked by a coyote in the 3600 block of Bell Road in Burtonsville. Police said she was able to fight it off and stab the coyote.
If someone’s pet had contact with the coyote, they are told to call the Office of Animal Services at 240-773-5900. Pet owners should make sure their pet is caught up on vaccinations and they should call their veterinarian for specific questions, per the county.
Feature photo courtesy of Montgomery County
