Rabid Coyote Attacks in Gwinnett County: What Happened and How to Stay Safe

Rabid coyotes attacked three people in a Gwinnett County neighborhood, leaving residents shaken and worried about their safety. This article explains what happened, what rabies is, and how you can protect yourself, your children, and your pets from similar wildlife attacks and potential rabies exposure.

Police and animal control vehicles responding to a coyote attack in a suburban neighborhood
Emergency crews responded after multiple residents reported attacks by an aggressive coyote in a Gwinnett County neighborhood off Braselton Highway.

If you live in a suburban area, you probably expect to see the occasional squirrel or songbird outside your window—not a wild coyote charging across your front yard. Yet that’s exactly what residents in one Gwinnett County neighborhood experienced when a rabid coyote attacked three people in just two days.

In this guide, we’ll walk through what we know about the incident, what rabies does to animals and humans, and—most importantly—how to respond if you ever face a similar situation. You’ll find clear, practical steps you can use today to reduce risk without living in constant fear.


What Happened in the Gwinnett County Coyote Attacks?

According to local reports from WSB-TV and county officials, a man named Jim Brown was one of three people attacked by a coyote in a neighborhood off Braselton Highway in Gwinnett County, Georgia. The incidents took place over two days in late 2025, in a relatively quiet residential area where families often walk, garden, and play outdoors.

Brown described being suddenly rushed and bitten in his own front yard. Animal control later confirmed that the coyote tested positive for rabies, explaining the unusually bold and vicious behavior.

“Rabid animals may show strange or unusual behavior. Wild animals might move slowly, appear unusually tame, or act aggressively toward people or other animals.”
— Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

The local health department and animal control teams canvassed the area, warning residents to:

  • Seek immediate medical attention if they had any contact with the coyote.
  • Check that pets’ rabies vaccinations were up to date.
  • Report any additional sightings of aggressive or sick-looking wildlife.

Understanding Rabies: Why a Coyote Might Suddenly Attack

Rabies is a viral infection that affects the brain and nervous system of mammals, including coyotes, raccoons, foxes, bats, dogs, cats, and humans. Once symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal. That’s why any suspicious bite is treated as a medical emergency.

Veterinarian preparing a rabies vaccine for a pet
Vaccination is the most effective way to protect pets—and indirectly, people—from rabies.

How rabies changes animal behavior

Infected wild animals may:

  • Lose their natural fear of humans and approach homes or people.
  • Act unusually aggressive, attacking without clear provocation.
  • Appear disoriented, stumbling or moving oddly.
  • Drool excessively or show signs of difficulty swallowing.

The coyote in Gwinnett County showed some of these classic signs: sudden aggression and unprovoked attacks. This is one reason officials quickly suspected rabies and tested the animal.

How rabies spreads

  1. Bites: The virus is usually transmitted through saliva via a bite wound.
  2. Scratches or open cuts: Less commonly, saliva entering a scratch or open cut can transmit the virus.
  3. Mucous membranes: Contact with eyes, nose, or mouth is considered a potential exposure.

Bitten or Scratched by a Wild Animal? Immediate Steps to Take

In the Gwinnett incident, fast action helped ensure that those attacked could receive timely care. If you are ever bitten or scratched by a wild animal—or an unvaccinated pet—here’s what health experts recommend.

1. Get to safety first

  • Move indoors or to a vehicle as quickly and calmly as possible.
  • Close doors behind you; do not try to capture or chase the animal yourself.
  • Keep others away from the area, especially children and pets.

2. Wash the wound thoroughly

The CDC emphasizes that immediate, thorough wound cleansing can significantly reduce rabies risk:

  1. Rinse the wound with plenty of running water for at least 15 minutes if possible.
  2. Gently wash with soap and water.
  3. Avoid harsh scrubbing, which can damage tissue.
  4. Apply clean gauze or a cloth to control bleeding.

3. Seek medical care immediately

Do not wait to “see how it looks.” Go to an urgent care, emergency department, or call your healthcare provider right away. They may:

  • Assess the wound and provide proper cleaning and closure if needed.
  • Decide if you need rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).
  • Update your tetanus shot if it’s been more than 5–10 years.
  • Start antibiotics if there’s a high risk of infection.

How to Protect Your Family and Pets from Rabid Wildlife

A cluster of coyote attacks can make any neighborhood feel on edge. While you can’t eliminate all wildlife risks, you can dramatically lower the chance of a dangerous encounter by using layered, practical precautions.

Parent and child walking a dog on a leash in a suburban neighborhood
Keeping pets leashed and supervised outside is one of the simplest ways to reduce risky encounters with wildlife.

1. Keep pet vaccinations current

  • Ensure all dogs and cats receive rabies vaccines according to your veterinarian’s schedule.
  • Keep documentation handy in case of an animal control investigation.
  • Ask your vet if local wildlife activity suggests any additional preventive measures.

2. Supervise pets outdoors

  • Use a leash or stay within a securely fenced yard.
  • Avoid letting small pets roam freely at dawn, dusk, or overnight when coyotes are most active.
  • Bring pet food and water dishes indoors at night to avoid attracting wildlife.

3. “Coyote-proof” your yard as much as possible

While no barrier is perfect, these steps can help:

  • Secure trash cans with tight-fitting lids.
  • Remove fallen fruit, bird seed spills, and outdoor pet food.
  • Trim shrubs and tall grass where animals might hide.
  • Consider a fence at least 6 feet tall; adding a rolling bar or angled top can make climbing harder.

4. Teach children simple safety rules

Kids don’t need to be scared of every rustle in the bushes, but they do need clear guidelines:

  1. Never approach wild animals, even if they look hurt or friendly.
  2. Tell an adult right away if they see a strange or sick animal.
  3. Stay calm and back away slowly if a coyote or similar animal is nearby.

What to Do If You See a Coyote in Your Neighborhood

Coyotes are increasingly common in suburban and even urban areas across the U.S. Seeing one doesn’t automatically mean danger—but certain behaviors should raise concern, especially given the recent rabid coyote in Gwinnett County.

Most coyotes avoid people, but bold or aggressive behavior should be taken seriously and reported.

If the coyote is distant and not approaching

  • Stay calm; pick up small pets or children if they’re nearby.
  • Slowly move toward a building or vehicle.
  • Avoid feeding or trying to get closer for photos.

If the coyote approaches you

Wildlife experts recommend “hazing” to encourage coyotes to keep their natural fear of humans:

  1. Stand tall and never turn your back.
  2. Wave your arms and shout loudly.
  3. Throw small objects (like rocks or sticks) toward—not at—the animal to scare it away.
  4. Maintain eye contact as you slowly back away to safety.

When to call authorities

Contact your local animal control or non-emergency police line if you notice:

  • A coyote attacking or attempting to attack people or pets.
  • Unusual daytime activity, especially with staggering or disoriented movement.
  • Excessive drooling, apparent paralysis, or other signs of severe illness.

Common Obstacles: Fear, Denial, and “It Probably Isn’t Rabies”

After a high-profile attack like the one in Gwinnett County, people often swing between two extremes: feeling constantly afraid to go outside, or brushing off risks because “rabies is rare.” Both reactions are understandable—and both can get in the way of practical safety.

“I don’t want to overreact.”

Many people hesitate to seek care after a minor bite or scratch, especially if the wound seems small. But when rabies is a possibility, health agencies consistently advise caution. Rabies post-exposure treatment is time-sensitive; waiting can close the window for effective prevention.

“I feel anxious just letting my kids play outside.”

It’s normal to feel shaken after hearing about a local attack. One Gwinnett-area parent I spoke with described suddenly scanning every bush on evening walks. Over time, though, using specific safety routines—like walking pets before dark, carrying a flashlight, and reviewing rules with kids—helped regain a sense of control without giving up outdoor time entirely.


Bringing It All Together: Stay Alert, Not Afraid

The rabid coyote attacks in Gwinnett County are frightening, especially because they happened in a place where people expect to feel safe—right outside their homes. At the same time, they offer a clear reminder of what works when wildlife and human communities collide: quick medical care, strong vaccination habits, and coordinated reporting.

Quiet suburban neighborhood street at dusk with homes and trees
With sensible precautions, neighborhoods can stay both connected to nature and safe for families.
  • Treat any bite or scratch from wild or unknown animals as urgent.
  • Keep pets vaccinated and supervised outdoors.
  • Remove common attractants like unsecured trash and outdoor pet food.
  • Report aggressive or sick wildlife right away to local authorities.

You don’t have to become an expert in wildlife biology to keep your family safe. By applying a few well-tested steps and knowing when to call for help, you can confidently enjoy your yard, your walks, and your neighborhood—even in areas where coyotes and other wildlife are part of the landscape.

Action step for today: Check your pets’ vaccination records, save your local animal control number in your phone, and share this information with a neighbor—so your whole street is better prepared, just in case.