A reported coyote attacked a cat in Croton-on-Hudson on Sunday, July 26, according to the village's police department. The incident is a reminder that coyotes remain active across Westchester County, including in the Eastchester and Bronxville area where a rabid coyote attacked residents and pets just four months ago.
The Croton-on-Hudson Police Department issued the alert Saturday evening but did not release a specific location or the cat's condition. The species has not been confirmed.
The March attack in Eastchester
On Monday, March 9, a coyote attacked three people and six dogs near Siwanoy Country Club and Twin Lakes Park in the Eastchester/Bronxville area. Eastchester Police located and euthanized the animal, and the Westchester County Department of Health confirmed on March 11 that it tested positive for rabies.
Eastchester police warned at the time that additional coyotes may be present in the area, according to NBC New York.
"To avoid rabies, residents should steer clear of wild animals and strays and teach children never to approach or handle animals they do not know, even if they appear young, injured or friendly," Westchester County Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler said in a March 10 statement responding to the attacks.
What the DEC says to do
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation advises residents to never approach or feed a coyote, secure bird feeders, outdoor pet food, and trash containers, keep pets leashed, and supervise children closely outdoors.
If a coyote approaches, do not run. The DEC says to make loud noises, wave your arms, and throw sticks or stones. These behaviors will almost always scare the animal away.
Rabies by the numbers
The county health department tested 377 animals in 2025 that may have had contact with people or pets, according to a June 2026 department report. Thirteen were confirmed rabid. New York State law requires dogs, cats, and ferrets to be vaccinated against rabies.
Anyone bitten or scratched by a wild or stray animal should wash the wound with warm soapy water, call a doctor, and report the incident to the Westchester County Department of Health at (914) 813-5000. The line is staffed 24 hours a day.
