The coyote that attacked a 5-year-old girl at a Thornwood playground over the weekend has tested positive for rabies, officials said Tuesday.
Five-year-old Natalia Petrellese was playing with her mom and younger brother Sunday at the James M. Carroll Park when they say the coyote ran out of the woods and charged at them. The girl’s mother, Kasey King-Petrellese, says she tried to fight off animal and couldn’t stop it.
An off-duty Irvington police officer stepped in and tackled the animal, which was then shot by Mount Pleasant police and taken to a facility for testing. Officials say everyone who came into contact with the coyote or its saliva is being evaluated to assess any needs for preventive rabies treatment.