Rabid coatimundi attacks woman as she fights to save her dog, Arizona parks service says

A rabid raccoon-like creature was shot and killed after it attacked a woman and her dog in Arizona, wildlife officials say.

The white-nosed coatimundi attacked the dog first at a private inholding at Coronado National Memorial in Hereford, Arizona, on Saturday, according to a news release from the National Park Service.

When the woman tried to pull the animal off her dog, the coati bit the woman as well, NPS said. The woman’s husband then shot and killed the coati, according to NPS.

White-nosed coatis are small mammals that have strong claws and long snouts, according to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute.

“A National Park Service Ranger and an Arizona Game and Fish Department Officer worked collaboratively to transport the animal remains to an Arizona Department of Health Services laboratory,” NPS said in the news release. “Laboratory testing has confirmed the coati had been rabid. Both the woman and dog have received medical treatment for their injuries, including shots for rabies exposure.”

NPS said very few white-nosed coatimundis become infected with rabies. Bats, skunks and foxes are the most common carriers of rabies in Arizona, but when rabies activity in those animals “spills over,” other mammals can become infected.

“Rabid animals may appear disoriented or lethargic, salivate heavily or appear thirsty,” NPS said. “Superintendent Allen Etheridge reminds Coronado National Memorial visitors to be cautious around all wild animals and to NEVER feed, touch or approach wildlife.”

This story was originally published April 23, 2020 at 1:43 PM with the headline "Rabid coatimundi attacks woman as she fights to save her dog, Arizona parks service says."