Coyote scratches wildlife control worker at T.F. Green Airport
WJAR • • health
Key Points:
- A wildlife control worker at Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport was scratched by a coyote on Tuesday evening and has received preventive rabies treatment, according to the Rhode Island Department of Health.
- The department did not confirm if the coyote involved in the incident was captured or tested for rabies.
- Rhode Island is experiencing an increase in rabies cases, with 39 confirmed rabid animals reported so far in 2026, compared to an average of 24 annually from 2021 to 2025.
- Locals, including a nearby nursery owner, have noticed more frequent coyote sightings in the airport area over the past few years, though coyotes generally avoid human contact.
- The airport previously contracted USDA Wildlife Services for wildlife control but now appears to use a private company, which, along with airport officials, declined to comment on the incident.
