The New Mexico Department of Health reported a hiker in the Gila National Forest was bitten by a rabid coyote.

The hiker, whose name was not released to the media, is being treated to prevent infection, according to a news release from the DOH.

“Rabies is preventable, but only if we take it seriously,” said Dr. Erin Phipps, state public health veterinarian for NMDOH. “The best way to protect your family — including your pets — is to make sure your animals are vaccinated.”

With this report, there are now 12 cases of animal rabies reported in New Mexico.

This is the second case of a rabid coyote biting a human — the first was reported in Catron County, DOH officials said. In Sierra county a rabid bobcat bite and in Grant County a rabid dog bite have also been reported this year.

There w

See Full Page