A coyote near Los Angeles in June 2022. | Damian Dovarganes, AP
Published on May 5, 2025 at 2:15 pm
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A rabies alert has been issued for Atlantic Beach after tests confirmed that a coyote suspected in attacks last week had the disease, the Florida Department of Health says.
The rabies alert is in effect for 60 days, warning residents and visitors that rabies is present in the wild animal population. People and pets should avoid physical contact with wild animals.
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Atlantic Beach police shot the coyote to death Wednesday. It is believed to have bitten four people Tuesday and Wednesday.
All of the victims are being treated for rabies. A dog that fended off an attack also was injured, police said.
The Department of Health Rabies issued the rabies alert over the weekend.
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Rabies is a potentially fatal viral disease that affects the brain and spinal cord. It is spread to humans and pets primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal.
Rabies is preventable with vaccination and can be treated with prompt medical attention after potential exposure.
During a news conference last week, Police Chief Victor Gualillo said the coyote’s behavior was definitely odd. To engage people four different times indicates it may have been sick or conditioned to treat humans as a food source.
The health department issued a number of guidelines for residents who might see another coyote or any wild animal:
- Avoid contact with wild or stray animals.
- Never feed feed or handle stray animals, even if they appear friendly.
- Do not let domesticated pets roam. Keep dogs on a leash.
- Make sure pets are up to date on rabies vaccinations.
If a person or pet is bitten or scratched by any wild or stray animal, seek immediate medical attention and dial 911. People also should report any animal that appears to be acting strangely or aggressively.
If someone encounters a coyote, make loud noises like shouting, clapping or banging pots, or throw small objects at them to scare the animals off, state officials said.
Rabies information is published at FloridaHealth.gov/Rabies.
