Wild Animal Attacks Braintree Woman Walking Her Dog

BRAINTREE, MA — A Braintree woman is recovering after she said she was bitten by a coyote or fox Saturday. A little before noon, Jean France was walking her dog, a Yorkie named Vinny, on Pond Street when she saw the animal, which she told the Patriot Ledger was about the size of a small or medium dog.

According to France, the animal looked at her and made a run towards her. France picked up her dog and tried to run home, but the animal caught up to her and bit her ankle. After it was latched on her ankle for about 45 seconds, France kicked the animal off her and got help, she told WHDH.

France was taken to South Shore Hospital, where she was given several rabie shots and had her bite wound bandaged. She was released from the hospital to recover at home.

Braintree Police told the Patriot Ledger the town's animal control department was made aware of the incident, but the animal hasn't been found. Police cannot confirm if the animal was a fox or coyote.

According to state Division of Fisheries and Wildlife officials, coyote bites are rare and foxes typically only bite humans when rabid. To avoid coyotes and foxes, pet owners should keep their animals on a leash outside at all times and eliminate any potential sources of food from outside.