CHELTENHAM TOWNSHIP, PA — The coyote that attacked a dog in Cheltenham Township and was later killed by officials has tested positive for rabies, local police confirmed.
Police said they are continuing to work with the Pennsylvania Game Commission to monitor the area.
Numerous reports about the coyote wandering in the Wyncote section of the township came in last Friday. Specifically, the coyote was in the area of Curtis Park, Hopeland Road, Washington Lane, and Rock Creek Drive.
It was acting aggressive toward people and animals and eventually attacked the dog.
Police were not able to find the coyote at first, despite the use of drones. The PA Game Commission later joined the search before the coyote was found and killed.
Authorities urge residents in the region whose pets have had recent contact with any coyote to get them tested for rabies.
Rabies can be easily transmitted through contact with saliva, bites, or scratches with an infected animal.
Attacks on humans are extraordinarily rare, as it is simply not in the coyote's nature to be confrontational with humans. By far the greater threat coyotes pose is to smaller pets, as they may view animals as prey. While coyotes are classified as carnivores, they are more truly omnivore generalists, and are as happy to subsist on plants, berries, and insects as they are on mice, birds, and deer. Coyotes typically are around 20 to 25 pounds, but some can grow as big as 50 pounds.
If you suspect human exposure, contact the Department of Health at 877-PA-HEALTH (877-724-3258). To report wildlife acting unusually, call 911.
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