Coyote who mauled Fall River woman tests positive for rabies

FALL RIVER, Mass. (WLNE) — Fall River police said Wednesday the coyote who mauled a woman and tried to attack country club workers tested positive for rabies.

The incident happened just before 6 a.m. Monday at the South Winds Apartments.

Police said the woman, 54, was walking her dog. She was bit on both legs.

Amber Noonan, who lives at the apartments, told ABC 6 News that she and her boyfriend woke up to her neighbor yelling.

“He saw her just covered in blood, like she’s down to the bone in some areas,” she said Monday.

Police follow an aggressive coyote to the Fall River Country Club, Monday, Aug. 28, 2023. (WLNE)

The 54-year-old, whose name wasn’t immediately released, was taken to Rhode Island Hospital. Her dog was unharmed.

It was unclear if the woman also tested positive for rabies.

While still at the South Winds Apartments, police said they received a call for an aggressive coyote at the Fall River Country Club.

The employees told officers they were chased by the coyote. They weren’t injured.

Police said the coyote was put down to prevent any other attacks at the country club.

Anyone who came in direct contact with the coyote should call the Massachusetts Department of Public Health at 617-983-6800.