Hiker Receives Rabies Vaccine After Coatimundi Attack in Arizona

A hiker in Ash Canyon, Arizona, encountered a coatimundi after a day of hiking on March 23, 2025. Upon returning to his vehicle, he found the animal on his hood and attempted to scare it away, which provoked the coatimundi to tear off a windshield wiper and attack him. The hiker sustained scratches and bites before getting into his car and is now receiving a rabies vaccine as a precaution. A USDA Wildlife Specialist was dispatched to locate the coatimundi but has not yet found it; the animal will be tested for rabies if located. Authorities are warning outdoor enthusiasts to be mindful of their surroundings and avoid engaging with wildlife. This incident highlights the importance of awareness in rural areas, especially following reports of rabid gray foxes in the region.