A hiker in Rhode Island killed a rabid coyote with his bare hands, authorities said.
A coyote attacked a hiker in a wooded area in Johnston on Friday afternoon. Local media News 12 reported. Johnston Police Chief Mark Vieira told News 12 the animal bit the hiker's leg.
Wiera told News 12 that the hiker was able to bring the coyote down by its neck with his bare hands and suffocate the animal.
Environmental police officers took the coyote's carcass for testing and state labs confirmed the animal had rabies.
The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management said the same coyote was involved in a separate attack in Scituate on Feb. 8, when News 12 reported that a coyote attacked a dog walker.
An animal-borne virus and often fatal disease, rabies is transmitted to humans through a scratch or bite.
There is no effective treatment once the disease has passed, and only in a small number People have survived Without immediate medical treatment. However, if immediate medical attention is available, the exposed person should be fine, Johns Hopkins Geographical Medicine Center director of infectious diseases Noreen Hines told CBS News in an earlier interview.
Exposed individuals should receive a series of shots to prevent infection. Rabies Antibiotics It can also prevent infection.
Rhode Island State Veterinarian Scott Marshall urged anyone who comes into contact with a coyote to call the state's Department of Infectious Diseases. He also advised pet owners to file a complaint with the local animal control officer.
Caitlin O'Kane contributed reporting.
