Lynnfield Woman Comes Face-To-Face With Rabid Coyote

LYNNFIELD, MA —A Lynnfield woman came face-to-face with a coyote right in her own driveway Monday. The rabid coyote wandered onto her property on Lynnbrook Road, eyeing her but never attacking. Lynnfield Animal Control said the coyote tested positive for rabies and was spotted once before in Lynn around Christmas Day.

The woman, Kerrianne Allain, was taking down her Christmas decorations when she saw the coyote, she told WCVB. She was sure not to make any sudden movements and slowly backed away from the animal. Her son pulled into the driveway just in time, Allain told the outlet, giving her a chance to hop into his car. It still took some time for the coyote to wander back into the woods.

Animal control officials were able to find and capture the coyote in the woods.

Lynnfield Animal Control said the same coyote was spotted between Dec. 25 and 27 around Emerald Drive and Meghans Way. Officials are worried the animal may have spread the disease in the area.

Rabies is transmitted by the coyote's saliva through a bite, scratch or fresh wound as well as if the saliva gets into someones eyes, nose or mouth. Anyone who may have had contact with the animal is asked to call the Massachusetts Department of Public Health at 617-983-6800 or their health care provider.

Officials stressed the importance of keeping pets safe and having them vaccinated for rabies as well. If you think your pet may have been exposed to rabies, contact Lynnfield Animal Control at 781-983-1804 or Lynn Animal Control at 781-552-2361 for further information.