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Woman, 87, survives rabid-coyote attack
By 9 News
Article Last Updated: 06/19/2007 11:05:18 PM MDT
An 87-year-old woman is recovering from a rabid-coyote attack late last week outside her farm near Holly, the first such attack in Colorado in 30 years, wildlife officials said Monday.
Elsie Rushton was sitting on her deck Friday when a coyote bit her hand and arm. She said she initially thought the animal was a dog.
Her husband, Hugh, was home at the time, and he shot and killed the coyote, which later tested positive for rabies.
"I came back in the yard here, and the coyote came up the steps on the deck and got my wife," 89-year-old Hugh Rushton said.
Elsie Rushton was terrified by the attack.
"It was terrible," she said. "A creature like that grabs a hold of your hand like that, and it'll tear your hand to pieces."
State health officials said its likely that the coyote was infected by a bat because they are the most common carrier of rabies in the state.
Prowers County health officials have ordered residents in the area to make sure their dogs and cats are up to date on rabies vaccinations.
Colorado does not have a law mandating rabies vaccinations for pets, so counties are left to regulate.
Elsie Rushton is undergoing treatment and is expected to fully recover.
Woman, 87, survives rabid-coyote attack
By 9 News
Article Last Updated: 06/19/2007 11:05:18 PM MDT
An 87-year-old woman is recovering from a rabid-coyote attack late last week outside her farm near Holly, the first such attack in Colorado in 30 years, wildlife officials said Monday.
Elsie Rushton was sitting on her deck Friday when a coyote bit her hand and arm. She said she initially thought the animal was a dog.
Her husband, Hugh, was home at the time, and he shot and killed the coyote, which later tested positive for rabies.
"I came back in the yard here, and the coyote came up the steps on the deck and got my wife," 89-year-old Hugh Rushton said.
Elsie Rushton was terrified by the attack.
"It was terrible," she said. "A creature like that grabs a hold of your hand like that, and it'll tear your hand to pieces."
State health officials said its likely that the coyote was infected by a bat because they are the most common carrier of rabies in the state.
Prowers County health officials have ordered residents in the area to make sure their dogs and cats are up to date on rabies vaccinations.
Colorado does not have a law mandating rabies vaccinations for pets, so counties are left to regulate.
Elsie Rushton is undergoing treatment and is expected to fully recover.
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