Possibly Rabid Coyote Spotted Near Marist, CIA

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY — A possible rabid coyote was seen in the town of Poughkeepsie/Hyde Park area Tuesday.

The Dutchess County Department of Behavioral and Community Health issued an alert to residents, including Marist College students, that an aggressive coyote was seen on Marist’s campus in the town of Poughkeepsie Tuesday.

Officials said it is unknown whether the animal is rabid.

Marist College has contacted the Town of Poughkeepsie Police Department and is working with the state Department of Environmental Conservation to locate and trap the coyote.

County health officials said residents should avoid contact with wild animals because they might be rabid. The wild animals should not be approached and pets should be kept away.

Between September and February, aggressive coyotes have been observed in and around the following locations in the town of Poughkeepsie and Hyde Park area:

• Marist College in the town of Poughkeepsie
• The Culinary Institute of America in the town of Hyde Park
• Hyde Park Drive-In in the town of Hyde Park

The health department encourages those attending, studying or working there to use caution.

If there is any physical contact between a coyote and a person or pet, the incident should be reported to the county health department as soon as possible at:

• 845-486-3404, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday
• 845-431-6465 on nights/weekends/holiday

For more information on potential rabies exposure, visit this website. The DEC website provides additional information about coyotes.