Officials in Person County confirmed the county's third rabies case of 2025 on Tuesday in connection with a coyote attack over the weekend.
According to Person County Animal Services and the Person County Health Department, the case involved a coyote attack near Somerset Drive.
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According to James Pulliam, a coyote followed him home Friday night in Roxboro. Pulliam told WRAL News the coyote attacked him without warning and then began biting him. Pulliam said he killed the coyote to protect himself.
Officials tested the coyote for rabies after the attack.
"Rabies is a deadly virus that affects the brain and nervous system," Person County Animal Services said in a statement.
Pulliam was taken to a nearby hospital and treated for multiple bite wounds.
Wildlife experts said that, although Pulliam's injuries were minor, they advise people to make loud noises and wave their arms to scare away a coyote. Here are some other tips to follow:
- Residents should not approach animals that they do not know.
- Residents should ensure their pets have a current rabies vaccination. If a pet is allowed outside, a booster vaccine is recommended. Outdoor pets should be kept inside until they receive booster vaccines.
- Do not feed stray or unknown animals, including cats and dogs.
- Do not leave trash or food outside unless it is in a trash can with a tight-fitting lid.
- If a pet is fed outside, do not leave food out overnight.
- Stay away from animals you don't know. Teach children to do the same. "Love your own, leave others alone!" is a good rule to remember.
- Report stray animals to your local animal control office.
Person County Animal Services provided the following tips on spotting an animal potentially infected with rabies:
- Aggressive or unusually friendly behavior.
- Difficulty walking, staggering.
- Foaming at the mouth.
- Excessive drooling
- Disorientation or paralysis.