Westchester officials launch multi-agency search for coyote after woman bitten on hiking trail

Key points

• The attack occurred on Wednesday, September 23, near Warburton Avenue in the Old Croton Aqueduct State Historic Park.
• The victim is undergoing emergency preventative rabies treatment, according to the Westchester County Health Department.
• The coyote is described as large and aggressive, and has been seen in Greenburgh in recent days.
• Hastings and Dobbs Ferry police, Greenburgh animal control, and the NY State Department of Environmental Conservation Police are actively searching for the animal.
• Health officials urge the public to make loud noises and back away if they see the coyote, and to report any contact to the health department.

Background

This incident follows a broader trend of rabies concerns in New York. In late August, officials warned of a possible rabid fox in Staten Island’s Mount Loretto Unique Area. Additionally, New York City has logged 20 rabies cases in its outer boroughs this year, a 57% increase over last year, with nine cases in Staten Island alone by late August.

How outlets are covering it

The New York Post and The Journal News both confirm the attack and the subsequent search, but The Journal News provides more specific details, noting the coyote was seen in Greenburgh and describing it as large. The Yonkers Times, a local outlet, confirms the victim is a resident of Hastings-on-Hudson. All sources agree on the urgency of the situation and the advice to avoid contact, but only The Journal News explicitly mentions the coyote’s recent sightings in Greenburgh, suggesting a wider search area than initially reported by the Post.

Why it matters

The incident highlights the ongoing risk of rabies in New York, particularly in suburban and rural areas. The aggressive behavior of the coyote, which is a classic sign of rabies, underscores the importance of public vigilance and the need for prompt reporting of any animal contact. The multi-agency response also demonstrates the coordinated effort required to address public health threats from wildlife.

What to watch

The search for the coyote is ongoing, with multiple agencies involved. Health officials are urging residents to report any sightings or contacts with the animal. The victim is expected to continue her preventative treatment, and the situation will likely be monitored closely by health authorities to ensure the safety of the public.