ALERT: Possibly rabid, 'aggressive' coyote on Marist College campus in Town of Poughkeepsie, Hyde Park area

Feb 8

Written By HVNY

Dutchess County officials are alerting the public – especially students at Marist College – after “an aggressive coyote was observed on Marist’s campus” in the Town of Poughkeepsie on Tuesday, February 7, 2023.

According to an email sent out to students at Marist College on Tuesday, a student in the area of Leo Hall was bitten on the leg by what is believed to be a coyote sometime in the early hours of Tuesday morning. The student was assisted by campus security and treated for the bite.

It is not known at this time if the animal is rabid, according to the Dutchess County Department of Behavioral and Community Health (DBCH).

Marist College has contacted the Town of Poughkeepsie Police Department and is working with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) to locate and trap the coyote.

DBCH reminds residents to avoid contact with wild animals:

DO NOT approach or have contact with wild animals, as they may be rabid.
• Avoid all contact and keep pets away from coyotes and other wild animals.
If you see a coyote, be aggressive in your behavior-stand tall and hold arms out to look large. If a coyote lingers for too long, then make loud noises, wave your arms, or throw sticks and stones.
• If there is any physical contact between a coyote and a person or pet, report the incident to DBCH as soon as possible by calling (845) 486-3404 Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or (845) 431-6465 on nights/weekends/holidays

To reduce risks with coyotes:

Do not feed coyotes and discourage others from doing so. Visit our Do Not Feed Wildlife: Why Feeding Wildlife Does More Harm Than Good page.
Do not feed pets outside.
Make any garbage inaccessible to coyotes and other animals.
Eliminate availability of bird seed. Concentrations of birds and rodents that come to feeders can attract coyotes.

For more information on potential rabies exposure visit dutchessny.gov/rabies or visit the DEC’s website: https://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/6971.html

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