In a courageous act of self-defense, a hiker in Johnston, Rhode Island fought off a rabid coyote with his bare hands, safeguarding himself and potentially preventing further attacks. The incident came after the same coyote had previously assaulted a dog walker in Scituate just a day earlier.

According to The Associated Press, the rabid coyote initially targeted a dog walker on Peeptoad Road in Scituate on Thursday, inflicting injury. Shockingly, the next day, it struck again; this time, its victim was a hiker, who suffered a vicious bite to his leg while trekking through the woods near Bellfield Drive in Johnston.

Reacting swiftly in a life-or-death struggle, the hiker swiftly pinned down the coyote and cut off its air supply, effectively ending its life. Law enforcement officials later confirmed the coyote's rabid state. The carcass was taken by the Department of Environmental Management police for testing, with the subsequent lab results from the Rhode Island Department of Health affirming the presence of rabies.

Rabies is a viral disease transmitted through the bites or scratches of infected animals. Without prompt post-exposure medical treatment, the disease can be fatal in the vast majority of cases. Urging caution and awareness, state health officials emphasized the importance of receiving post-exposure vaccinations for anyone who had encountered or was likely to have been exposed to the rabid coyote, including individuals who had previously received pre-exposure prophylaxis.

State Veterinarian Dr. Scott Marshall advised concerned pet owners in Scituate and Johnston to promptly contact and consult their veterinarians if they suspected their animals had come into contact with the rabid coyote. Maintaining up-to-date rabies vaccinations for pets was strongly recommended, as it effectively prevents transmission of the disease to humans and ensures the wellbeing of the animals themselves, health officials stressed.

Rhode Island health authorities also cautioned residents about the risk of bat rabies strains in the area. Bats are known carriers of rabies, and preventive vaccination is often recommended for individuals who have been in close proximity to a bat, even without any visible wounds. Health officials underscored the importance of seeking medical advice in such cases, particularly if the bat is unavailable for testing.

This daring encounter serves as a reminder of the potential dangers posed by rabid animals and the critical importance of swift and appropriate action. It also highlights the need for ongoing vigilance in vaccinating pets and taking necessary precautions to prevent the spread of rabies in communities.