Rabid Coyote Reported At Baltimore County Park

BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD — Health officials are warning people not to engage with wildlife after a dog and its owner were reportedly bitten by a rabid coyote in a park near Fullerton last week.

After the bite occurred at Holt Park, the coyote tested positive for rabies and was euthanized, WBFF reported.

Read more about the rabid coyote on WBFF.

Rabies is a viral disease most commonly transmitted through a bite from an infected animal.

Animals with rabies may act normally during the early stages of the disease. As the sickness progresses, wild animals may act docile/sociable and domestic animals may become aggressive.
Once rabies takes hold, animals may stagger, drool or become paralyzed.

The Baltimore County Department of Health reminds residents of these tips for rabies prevention:

• Keep rabies vaccinations up-to-date for all pets and do not allow your pets to roam freely. Call 410-887-PAWS (7297) for more information or visit the county's animal services page on getting pets vaccinated.
• Avoid contact with wildlife and stray/feral animals, particularly ones that appear sick.
• Do not provide food, water or shelter to wildlife or strays. If you feed your pets outdoors, do not leave food or water bowls out for extended periods, especially overnight.
• Consider the risk of rabies and other diseases before interacting with any animal, especially in a home with children, older adults, other pets or people with compromised immune systems. Those considering adopting stray or feral cats should speak with a veterinarian for guidance.