Coyote NH Man Killed With His Bare Hands Had Rabies: Fish & Game

CONCORD, NH — The coyote that was killed by a Kensington man yesterday while he and his family were on a walk in Exeter had rabies, according to the New Hampshire Fish & Game Department. Ian O'Reilly was on a hike with his family when the coyote threatened them while they were walking at Jude's Pond in Exeter. The coyote attacked one his sons — pulling on the hood of his jacket, he said.

O'Reilly stepped in to fight off the coyote and killed it.

Fish & Game stated Tuesday that the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services Public Health Laboratory had confirmed the coyote had rabies.

"Based on all the evidence we have collected and in talking with several people who recently reported seeing coyotes acting erratically, we don’t believe this is the only coyote in the Exeter area that may have rabies," said Colonel Kevin Jordan, chief of the Fish and Game Law Enforcement Division. "We want to therefore remind people that though rabies in animals is uncommon, there are some steps to take to avoid contact with infected animals."

Officials are recommending everyone to do everything they can to stay away from and leave animals like coyotes alone due to the threat of rabies. It's also important to have pets vaccinated, not to encourage wildlife to be around homes (don't leave pets outside for long periods of time and keep garbage cans secure), and to clean outdoor grills after each use.

Anyone with questions about rabies can call the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, Bureau of Infectious Disease Control at 603-271-4496. To read more about rabies and wild animals, visit https://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/wildlife/diseases.html.

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