Coyote In Lake Accotink Park Encounters Had Confirmed Rabies

SPRINGFIELD, VA — The coyote that bit several people and dogs at Lake Accotink Park before being killed had confirmed rabies, according to the Fairfax County Health Department.

Anyone who had contact with the coyote in the North Springfield and Lake Accotink area between Saturday, June 4 and Sunday, June 5 is encouraged to contact the health department. That applies to anyone or their pets who touched, were bitten or were scratched by the coyote.

Residents who may have been in contact with the coyote can contact the Fairfax County Health Department Rabies Program at 703-246-2433.

Police received calls around 8 a.m. Saturday about three adults and two dogs who were bitten by a coyote at Lake Accotink Park. Animal Protection Police responded to the park, which was then closed to the public.

When the search took police to a community around Carrleigh Parkway south of Lake Accotink Park, the coyote bit an officer. The coyote was killed when the officer fired his weapon.

The coyote was taken to the Fairfax Health Department laboratory for testing, which confirmed Monday it had rabies. According to the health department, the coyote may have been in contact with other people or pets while it was sick.

So far in 2022, there have been 16 animals diagnosed with rabies in Fairfax County. The health department says rabies is a viral disease that can infect wildlife such as foxes, raccoons, skunks and bats as well as domestic animals like dogs and cats. The rabies virus spreads to people when bitten or scratched by an infected animal or when the infected animals’ saliva or central nervous tissue gets into an open wound, mouth, nose or eyes.

Anyone who is bitten or scratched by an animal that may have rabies is encouraged to wash the wound with soap and water before seeking medical attention. Rabies is fatal when untreated, but it can be prevented when vaccinations are provided in time.

The health department says rabies can cause animals to be docile or aggressive. Other signs of rabies can include staggering, drooling or appearing partially paralyzed. In many cases, coyotes are normally afraid of contact with humans. When the rabid coyote was spotted in a community near Lake Accotink, it was biting tires, which police suspected was rabid behavior.

Pet owners are encouraged to ensure their pets are vaccinated against rabies each year and not let their pets roam unattended. Residents are also encouraged to avoid feeding wild animals and seal openings in their homes. Animal bites or animals acting strangely can be reported to Fairfax County’s Animal Protection Police at 703-691-2131.