PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — There are a lot of coyotes in Multomah County and after two recent attacks, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is hoping to prevent more.
Coyote attacks on people are very rare, but two young girls were recently attacked in Southwest Portland off of Scholls Ferry Road.
“There are so many coyotes in Portland, we have a very slim chance to catch the right one if we just put out a trap,” said Michelle Dennehy with ODFW.
She said the best way for them to catch a particular coyote is if it comes back and someone calls 911.
One concern with animal bites is rabies, but officials said it’s extremely rare in coyotes.
Officials said no coyotes have tested positive for rabies in Multnomah or Washington County in the last decade.
“Rabies is a very serious virus, it is preventable if someone has been exposed, if they have completed the rabies vaccine following the bite the vaccine is very effective in preventing rabies and rabies itself is a deadly virus,” said Dr. Jennifer Vines with Multnomah County Health Services.
According to the Oregon Health Authority, in 2017 there were 14 rabies cases involving Multnomah County residents but none were related to coyotes.
Eight were for exposure to bats and 6 were exposure to animals in other countries.
To avoid coyotes getting too comfortable on your property, trim vegetation and remove spots for prey. Don’t leave pets or kids unattended and bring livestock and pets inside at night.