Rabid coyote attacks person walking in Roswell park

ROSWELL, Ga. — The Fulton County Department of Health and Wellness is warning Roswell residents to avoid contact with any wild animals around Leita Thompson Memorial Park after a rabid coyote attacked a park visitor Monday.

"I’ve actually seen numerous coyotes in the area, just traveling around,” parkgoer Brendan Smith told Channel 2’s Carl Willis.

Some visitors, including Smith, found little comfort that the rabid animal was captured and killed.

"There might be others because they travel in packs," said resident Eve Anene.

"They're sneaky, sneaky animals and if they've captured one, there's bound to be a pack more of them," Smith said.

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The health department is advising anyone who lives near the park or visits it to keep vaccinations up on pets and to contact a vet or animal control if your pet is bitten by a wild animal.

"Take care of your dogs. Keep them in. Just keep them safe," said Melody Swierski.

The health department said to keep water and food bowls inside, and secure garbage. They also say to enjoy wild animals from a distance and to report wild animals acting aggressively.

"I’m concerned. I don't want it coming out and jumping on me, biting me or something. Then you don't know if it's rabid," Anene said.

For more information about rabies,

. To contact the Fulton County Department of Health and Wellness, call them at 404-730-1391.

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