Authorities are warning residents to avoid trails near Bellows Falls Union High School after reports of an aggressive coyote that may have rabies.

According to the Windham County Sheriff’s Department,  a coyote was reported with porcupine quills and behaving aggressively. People are being asked to stay off the school trails and use caution in surrounding areas. Dog owners are urged to keep their pets leashed.

Anyone who has physical contact with the coyote should contact a physician, while owners of domestic animals that have contact with it should call their veterinarian.

Anyone who sees the coyote is asked to call a Vermont game warden at 802-722-4600 or the Windham County Sheriff’s Office at 802-365-4942.

The Vermont Department of Health says rabies is a fatal viral disease that can spread to people and pets through the bite or saliva of an infected animal. More information is available from the Vermont Department of Health rabies page⁠.