POUGHKEEPSIE – The Dutchess County Department of Behavioral and Community Health is alerting residents, including Marist College students, that an aggressive coyote was observed on the college campus in the Town of Poughkeepsie on Tuesday, February 7.
It is unknown at this time if the animal is rabid. Marist College has contacted the Town of Poughkeepsie Police Department and is working with the State Department of Environmental Conservation to locate and trap the coyote.
The county health department reminds residents to avoid contact with wild animals. Do not approach and keep pets away.
Between September 2022 and February 2023, aggressive coyotes have been observed in and around the following locations in the Town of Poughkeepsie and Hyde Park area, and health officials encourage those attending, studying, or working there to use caution:
- Marist College in the Town of Poughkeepsie
• The Culinary Institute of America in the Town of Hyde Park; and
• Hyde Park Drive-In in the Town of Hyde Park.
The health department reminds all residents:
- 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 there is any physical contact between a coyote and a person or pet, report the incident to DBCH as soon as possible at:
o (845) 486-3404 Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
o (845) 431-6465 on nights/weekends/holidays
For more information on potential rabies exposure visit dutchessny.gov/rabies. The NYSDEC website provides additional information about coyotes.
