Coyote found in Agawam tests positive for rabies

a coyote that attacked two people in Agawam tested positive for rabies this is the second animal to test positive for the disease in town in just the last couple of weeks Jack wo with the 22 News storm team is live in studio Jack should residents be concerned about more attacks like this in the future well Nick attacks like these don't happen very often but the discovery of rabies in that coyote is causing distress among local officials a coyote injured two people in Robinson State Park on Saturday the coyote tested positive for rabies later that day Allison strong with Agawam Animal Control says instances like these are particularly concerning when when an incident like that happens um red flags go up with those of us in this industry immediately the National Institute of Health says rabid coyotes are 18 times more likely to attack someone than normal coyotes Megan Crawford a biologist with Mass wildlife told me regular coyotes sightings are nothing to be afraid of the mere presence the sight of a coyote in your neighborhood walking down your streets is not necessarily a cause for concern coyote attacks in Massachusetts are a rare site according to mass Autobon there's been fewer than 10 in the past 60 years but this doesn't mean that they don't happen that's why you should always be prepared especially if you enjoy the outdoors frequently Shan Gaffney with Robinson State Park gives a tip to those those who like to hike or run with their pets always keep your animals on leashes uh coyotes and other animals are attracted to to dogs specifically animals and Wildlife uh are to be found at all of our state parks this is the third case of rabies in agam this year one of these cases involved a house cat only two weeks ago and this coyote attack could imply that there are more wild animals in the area that also have rabies working for you I'm Jack woo with the 22 new Storm Team