Captured Arlington coyote tested negative for rabies
ARLINGTON, Texas - The results of a rabies test on an aggressive coyote captured in an Arlington park came back negative, according to Texas Health and Human Services.
The coyote was believed to be responsible for attacking three children at Parkway Central Park on Saturday, Monday, and Tuesday.
An aggressive coyote was captured at an Arlington park Thursday morning. (City of Arlington)
The park was shut down after the third incident and animal control officers began hunting for the animal.
While it’s not known if the coyote that was captured Thursday was the same one that bit all three children, it was unusually aggressive and charged at officers when they confronted it.
The animal was euthanized in order to be tested for rabies.
The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Wildlife Services surveyed the park overnight.
USDA staff said they spotted two coyotes in the area, but they did not display any concerning behavior at the time and they are not considered a threat.
Arlington police officers will remain in the area through the end of the school day at the nearby Jones Academy of Fine Arts and Dual Language.
The city says they will keep the park closed until Tuesday, Feb. 20 out of an abundance of caution.
Animal services said there are more coyotes in the park but the one that was removed on Thursday was unlike any previously encountered in the area.
"I’ve never seen a coyote that’s not skittish of human beings, or their vehicles. This animal was completely unusual," said Sgt. Eric Belisle with the Arlington Police Department.
"As far as the history of animal services, we have people who’ve been with our department for over 20 years. This is the first coyote attack we’ve ever had," said Ashley Woolnough with Arlington Animal Services.
Officials were asked why it took so long to close the park following the first or even the second attack.
Animal services said the reports of the first two bites initially appeared very similar, and it was assumed they were referring to the Saturday attack. They believed it was an isolated incident.
Arlington park closed after coyote bites three children
The city of Arlington now says three children were attacked by a coyote at a park. The attacks happened Saturday, Monday and Tuesday.
But that all changed after it happened again on Tuesday.
The USDA says multiple overflowing trash containers in the area were spotted in the area, which could have attracted the coyotes.
The three children who were bitten have all been treated and were released from the hospital.
The City of Arlington encourages anyone who spots a coyote to report it to the City's Action Center webpage.