Coyote Bit Several People, Dogs At Lake Accotink Park: Police

SPRINGFIELD, VA — A coyote suspected to have rabies is dead after biting several people and dogs at Lake Accotink Park, according to Fairfax County Police.

Around 8 a.m. Saturday, police received calls about three adults and two dogs who were bitten by a coyote at the park, police spokesperson Lt. Dan Spital told reporters. Animal Protection Police responded to the park, which was then closed to the public.

UPDATE: Coyote In Lake Accotink Park Encounters Had Confirmed Rabies

Despite a search of the park through dusk, police did not locate the coyote Saturday. Additional sightings of the coyote were reported Sunday in a community around Carrleigh Parkway, which is south of Lake Accotink Park.

"Community members had seen the animal biting tires, which is indicative of rabid behavior," said Spital.

Officers resumed the search around 6 a.m. Sunday. While searching woods near the 7900 block of Carrleigh Parkway, police say the coyote came up behind an officer and bit him. The officer fired his weapon several times and killed the coyote.

Spital said the coyote was suspected to be rabid. Testing at the Fairfax County Health Department Monday confirmed the coyote had rabies.

According to the Humane Society, signs of rabies in animals can include biting at objects, excessively drooling, showing no fear of humans, appearing overly wobbly, appearing disoriented and appearing partially paralyzed. Under normal circumstances, coyotes are believed to largely be scared of humans.

Police expect the officer and residents who were bitten to fully recover.