Housekeeper Attacked by Coyote While Out with Family Dog. Now She Has to Get Rabies Shots for a Month

A housekeeper and a family dog were left shaken after an unfortunate encounter with a coyote in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey. The 31-year-old woman and the golden retriever were attacked in the backyard of a home on October 20th around 1 p.m., as reported by local news affiliates. The incident took a terrifying turn when the coyote emerged from a wooded area behind the home and launched a sudden attack on the unsuspecting pair. The woman suffered injuries to her arm, leg and back, while the dog was bitten on its leg, escalating the situation into a distressing ordeal.

The homeowner was quick to react, rushing from the house into the backyard upon hearing the commotion. Surveillance footage captured the homeowner’s desperate efforts to deter the coyote by yelling, but the animal persisted in its aggression. The video footage showed the coyote clamping its teeth onto the dog’s leg, as both the housekeeper and the homeowner tried to maintain a safe distance. Following the attack, the coyote fled the scene and has yet to be located, leaving uncertainty about its potential rabies status.

The injured housekeeper was promptly taken to the hospital for medical treatment and was later discharged. However, she now faces a month of rabies shots as a precautionary measure against potential infection. Despite the harrowing experience, the family found solace in the proximity of their veterinarian, who resides nearby and assured them of the dog’s recovery. The incident shed light on the concerning rise in animal attacks within the region, with reports indicating multiple encounters involving coyotes, a black bear, and a fox in North Jersey.

Notably, recent incidents have exposed the heightened risks posed by wildlife encounters, with some instances resulting in injuries and alarming outcomes. In late September, two individuals fell victim to coyote attacks, sustaining injuries that underscore the perilous nature of such confrontations. Authorities have been vigilant in responding to these incidents, including locating and addressing animals displaying abnormal behaviour, such as those testing positive for rabies.

The escalation of wildlife conflicts serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable dangers lurking in residential areas, necessitating heightened awareness and caution. As communities grapple with these threats, it becomes imperative to adopt preventive measures and raise awareness about coexisting with wildlife. The resilience and swift response exhibited by the affected individuals during the coyote attack underscore the importance of preparedness and unity in confronting such challenges.

As the community reflects on this alarming incident, there is a collective call for vigilance and proactive steps to mitigate the risks associated with wildlife encounters. The resilience demonstrated by the housekeeper and the homeowner serves as a beacon of strength amid adversity, highlighting the importance of solidarity in times of crisis. The episode serves as a poignant reminder of the need for ongoing vigilance and preparedness in safeguarding against unforeseen threats, emphasizing the imperative of coexistence with wildlife in a shared habitat.