Great Falls Coyote Injures 1 Person and Multiple Dogs as Rabies Remains Possible
Updated
Updated · FFXnow · Jun 25
Great Falls Coyote Injures 1 Person and Multiple Dogs as Rabies Remains Possible
3 articles · Updated · FFXnow · Jun 25
Summary
Fairfax County warned Great Falls residents after a coyote attacked multiple pet dogs and at least one person on June 18 near Utterback Store Road and Streamview Court, leaving non-life-threatening injuries.
An extensive search failed to find the animal, and health officials said rabies cannot be ruled out, though the county has received no additional coyote reports since the attacks.
The injured pets were treated at an emergency veterinary clinic, and officials urged anyone bitten, scratched or touched by a wild animal to contact the county rabies program.
Fairfax County says coyote conflicts with people are rare but loose dogs and free-roaming cats face the greatest risk, especially during mating season and while coyotes protect pups.
The county typically identifies 40 to 60 rabid animals each year; 2026 cases already include a cat in Huntington and a kitten found near Poplar Ford Park in Centreville.