Coyote that bit Wake Forest man tests positive for rabies

Relatives have identified the victim who was attacked by the rabid animal as William "Eric" Gray.

Town officials said he was taking his trash out around 9:30 p.m. on Lariat Ridge Drive when the coyote attacked him. The man kicked the animal to try to defend himself, but the animal continued to attack.

Gray eventually threw a trash can at the coyote, which caused it to back away, and the victim was able to get to safety.

Julie Gray, his wife, told WRAL News Friday that her husband received nine shots Thursday as part of a treatment plan.

In a 911 call released Thursday, a caller from the home told a dispatcher that they had to shoot the animal, which the caller incorrectly identifies as a wolf, because it bit the man. Wake Forest officials confirmed the homeowner's son shot the animal.

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"My husband just got bit by a rabid wolf, we believe. We have shot the wolf because he bit him and we're OK, we just needed to have someone be aware of the situation with being in the city limits," Julie Gray said.

Wake County Animal Control confirmed a positive rabies test Thursday afternoon and said Wake County Human Services is advising the victim about rabies treatment protocol.

The homeowner suffered minor injuries and drove himself to get medical treatment.

The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission says coyote attacks on people, including children, are "extremely rare."

"Normal coyote behavior is to be curious, but wary, when close to humans," the commission said. "Like other wildlife, they will become bold and habituated if people feed them, either purposely or inadvertently, such as with garbage or outdoor pet food. They rarely contract rabies."

But coyotes could attack pets, the commission warned; they view outdoor cats and small, unleashed dogs as prey, while bigger dogs could be seen as threats.

"I thought it was terrible of course. Being a dog owner, I thought 'where is that coyote.' I live down the street, so I think it's scary," neighbor Kym McHalle said.