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A coyote tested positive for rabies after attacking residents in Buford, Gwinnett County said.

'I'm surprised:' Coyote tests positive for rabies after attacking Buford man

ATLANTA, Ga.(Atlanta News First) - A coyote tested positive for rabies after attacking Buford residents, according to Gwinnett County officials.

County officials said the coyote attacked residents in three incidents Friday and Saturday.A man and their dog were attacked near Holland Park Drive and two other attacks took place near Wincliffe Court and Benny Way.

Jim Brown with his Shih Tzu, Gigi, 16, went out early Saturday morning.

"She stands here and does her thing," Brown said."I'm standing here and there's a bison 5 feet away... Before I even thought about it, it was over. It knocked me to the ground and I think my adrenaline was pumping because when it hit me to the ground all I could think about was my little dog."

The coyote bit Brown several times on the legs and on one of the fingers on his right hand.

"It's chewy," he said.

Brown kicked the coyote and yelled, said he was surprised it was there long enough to run back inside with Gigi.

“I do what pet owners do which is protect your dog,” he said.

Brown's family rushed him to the hospital, where he was treated and given antibiotics, a tetanus shot and the first of four rabies shots.

On Tuesday, more than 72 hours after he was attacked, Brown received a flier in the mail about a rabies warning in the area.

He wants to know why it's taking so long.

“There is a 72-hour gap and that is unacceptable,” Brown said.

Although Brown is now able to walk, he still has a long road to recovery.

"When I go to bed at night, all I can think about is come and stay here and then look back and see the herdsman," Brown said."He is following me."

Rabies can be transmitted through the bite of wild animals and is almost always fatal in humans if left untreated.

County officials urge residents to ensure their pets are vaccinated against rabies, avoid animals behaving abnormally and seek immediate medical attention if bitten or scratched by an animal.They should then contact GNR Public Health at (770) 339-4260.

Residents should also contact Gwinnett County Animal Control if their pet exhibits unusual behavior.

To report an animal behaving abnormally and have it picked up, contact the Gwinnett Office of Animal Welfare and Bite Enforcement at (770) 339-3200, extension 5576.

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