Coyote shot, killed in Atlantic Beach believed to be responsible for attacks
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Officials said they believe the coyote’s body is intact enough for a rabies test following five reported attacks.

ATLANTIC BEACH, Fla. — A coyote believed to be responsible for multiple attacks on people and a dog in Atlantic Beach is dead, according to Atlantic Beach Police Chief Victor Gualillo.

The coyote was shot and killed in the area of Begonia Street and 6th Street. Officials believe they shot the animal on Wednesday, but it got away. They recovered the animal’s body Thursday.

The City of Atlantic Beach issued a coyote advisory Wednesday, asking people not to leave food out, keep pets inside when they’re not being watched and report any sightings to 911.

The coyote’s death comes after five reported attacks, with four people and a dog sustaining animal bites.

Gualillo said he believes this is the only coyote they’ve had issues with, but noted there are likely other coyotes in the area.

He added the coyote that was killed matched the description of the animal involved in the attacks.

First Coast News crews spotted multiple police and animal control vehicles on the scene Thursday.

Gualillo said he believed the animal’s body was intact enough to perform a rabies test.

First Coast News spoke with Thomas Cathey, one of the people who was attacked by a coyote.

Cathey said he was walking to work on 6th Street when he noticed he was being followed by a coyote.

“Came out of the bushes, sort of circled me,” Cathey told First Coast News. “I didn’t pay any attention to it at first, then it attacked me from behind.”

Cathey has bites on his leg and near his elbow.

“I wrestled with him,” said Cathey. “He got me on the ground there for a minute. I managed to get a good kick in his ribs. That backed him up and he walked away.”

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