Health & Fitness

Tuscon Animal Attacks Stoke Rabies Concerns

A woman was bit by a coyote with rabies on Monday. It was captured and euthanied.

TUCSON, AZ – Several animal attacks over the past two weeks have Arizona Game and Fish officials warning people to be cautious when approached by wild animals. A woman sitting her car by Pima Community College Tucson's west side was bit in the leg by coyote. She was bitten as she kicked at the coyote.

The woman is being treated for rabies.

The animal was captured the next day and euthanized.

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Another fox was found dead Thursday in Marana.

Officials will now test it for rabies.

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There were two attacks by rabid Gray foxes last week – one on January 8 in Dudleyville along the Arizona Trail – and on January 10 in Vail. Neither person in those incidents was bitten.

A man was attacked by a Coyote on Saturday in the Chiricahua Mountains by a coyote that also tested positive.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department says that coyotes "are not a common carrier, like foxes, bats and skunks. Avoid contact, keep pets away, vaccinated."

Officials say that if you see wildlife "exhibiting disorientation, unsteady movements, heavy salivation, extreme thirst & aggression," then you should call 623-236-7201.

Photo courtesy Arizona Game and Fish Department.

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