Tucson, Arizona – A second suspected case of rabies in a coyote has been reported on the west side of Tucson. The Arizona Game and Fish Department initially shared a video of a coyote, believed to be infected, in the Tucson Estates area on February 10th. Despite expectations that the coyote would likely pass within 48-72 hours, its remains were never found, preventing testing for rabies.
Subsequently, a second sick coyote was discovered on West San Juan Drive near South Shannon Road in the Starr Pass area. The animal was euthanized on Tuesday, February 13th, and the Arizona Game and Fish Department will be testing its brain for the presence of rabies. Mark Hart, a spokesman for the department, expressed hope that the test results will shed light on the situation and provide insights into whether the two sick coyotes may have been connected through the spread of a contagious disease.
Residents of the Starr Pass neighborhood are expressing concern about this development, with some taking extra precautions to protect their pets from potential exposure to rabies. According to the CDC, rabies symptoms in animals can only be confirmed through a brain tissue test, which requires euthanization of the animal. Signs of rabies in wildlife may include abnormal activity hours and extreme aggression, or an unusual lack of fear towards humans.
The discovery of suspected rabid coyotes in Tucson is a reminder of the importance of avoiding contact with wildlife, particularly if they are exhibiting unusual behavior. Rabies is almost always fatal if not treated immediately after exposure. As the situation continues to unfold, local authorities and residents are urged to remain vigilant and take appropriate precautions to minimize the risk of exposure to rabies.