East Haddam Woman Fights Off Coyote With Pitchfork, Donkey

EAST HADDAM, CT — An East Haddam woman is receiving precautionary treatment for potential exposure to rabies after she fought off a coyote with the help of her donkey and a pitchfork last week, according to The Middletown Press.

State Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Wildlife Division staff received a report that the woman was attacked by the wild animal on two occasions Oct. 22.

The coyote bit her boot before it was kicked by the donkey in the first instance. The same day, the coyote attacked again when the woman was driving her car near her home.

Neighbors have also reported that the animal was acting aggressively, The Middletown Press reported.

The woman contact the East Haddam animal control officer who then contacted state police and the DEEP, according to WFSB.

The neighbors encountered the coyote on their property and shot and killed it.

An animal control officer disposed of the coyote's carcass with no testing for rabies recommended, WFSB reported.

The woman said that though the coyote bit her boot, it did not bite or scratch her. Because she may have come into contact with the animal's saliva, rabies testing was recommended.

Coyote habitats include wooded suburbs, parks, beaches and office parks, according to the DEEP, which said reports of coyotes killing pets have gone up in recent years and that domesticated animals should not be allowed to run free to avoid encounters with coyotes.

For more information about coyote safety and how to contact state wildlife officials to report a coyote problem, visit the DEEP's website.

See related: Coyote Sightings On The Rise, Fairfield Police Warn

Coyote Attacks Dog In Tolland