Test confirms rabies in coyote shot by policeman after attacks on humans in NY suburb

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. – Tests have found rabies in a coyote that was shot by a policeman after a rash of attacks on humans in a New York City suburb.

The Westchester County Department of Health said Wednesday it was the first confirmation of rabies in a coyote in the county.

The female coyote that was killed Monday is believed to be the one that attacked a toddler, her father and a teenager Sunday in Rye Brook, 30 miles northeast of Manhattan.

The victims were treated for rabies, a viral infection that can be spread through animal saliva and is generally fatal if untreated.

Coyotes have been moving south from upstate New York into the suburbs of the nation's largest city. At least five have been spotted in Manhattan this year.