Newberry County, September 5, 2025
News Summary
A deputy with the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office recently tested negative for rabies following an encounter with a potentially rabid coyote in the Beth Eden area. The aggressive coyote was shot by a local resident, prompting the deputy’s intervention. After testing by health officials, the coyote’s rabies test came back negative. Sheriff Lee Foster highlighted the importance of public awareness regarding rabies and animal behavior in light of this incident, as communities remain alert to wildlife encounters.
Newberry County – A deputy with the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office has tested negative for rabies following an encounter with a potentially rabid coyote in the Beth Eden area. The incident took place on Friday afternoon, leading to widespread concern among local residents and authorities alike.
The coyote exhibited unusually aggressive behavior near a resident’s home, prompting the individual to take action. A local homeowner shot the coyote after it displayed signs of distress and erratic behavior. When other agencies declined to provide assistance in addressing the situation, the deputy intervened to ensure the safety of the community.
Subsequently, the coyote was tested for rabies by the South Carolina Department of Public Health. The results returned negative, alleviating concerns regarding the potential spread of the disease and negating the need for further testing on the deputy involved. This confirmation was received late on Tuesday, due to delays caused by the Labor Day holiday.
In light of this incident, Sheriff Lee Foster emphasized the importance of public awareness regarding rabies and animal encounters. He recognized the challenges faced by the resident in obtaining timely assistance from appropriate animal control agencies and commended the deputy for his readiness to help in this potentially dangerous situation.
During the incident, the deputy was supported by various organizations, including Pet Care of Newberry and Newberry Health, highlighting the collaborative efforts made to address public safety concerns. The community remains vigilant, as previous difficulties in dealing with rabid animal encounters have raised alarm among residents.
Despite the negative test results of the coyote, Sheriff Foster expressed his concern about the lasting apprehension this incident may cause in the public regarding rabies. Rabies is a viral disease that poses serious health threats, and such encounters can trigger increased anxiety within communities. Awareness and education about rabies prevention and response remain crucial for community safety.
Approximately 60 rabid animals were reported throughout South Carolina in the past year, reinforcing the importance of understanding how to handle encounters with wildlife that may display unusual behaviors. Residents are encouraged to report any concerning animal behavior to local authorities to ensure prompt intervention and safety measures are enacted as needed.
The outcome of this incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of wildlife encounters and the vital role of local law enforcement in responding to these situations. Continuous collaboration between community members and local agencies is essential for public health and safety initiatives.
FAQ Section
What led to the deputy’s exposure to the coyote?
The deputy was involved when a resident shot a coyote displaying unusual behavior after other agencies declined assistance.
What was the outcome of the rabies test on the coyote?
The coyote tested negative for rabies, alleviating the concerns of further testing for the deputy.
When were the rabies test results received?
The results were confirmed late on Tuesday, following delays due to the Labor Day holiday.
What support was provided during the incident?
The deputy received support from organizations including Pet Care of Newberry and Newberry Health.
Why is rabies a concern in this incident?
Rabies is a viral disease that poses serious health risks, and unusual behavior in wildlife can be a sign of the disease.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Newberry County, Beth Eden area |
| Involved Agency | Newberry County Sheriff’s Office |
| Date of Incident | Friday afternoon, August |
| Outcome of Coyote Test | Negative for rabies |
| Deputy’s Health Status | Tested negative for rabies |
| Support Organizations | Pet Care of Newberry, Newberry Health |
| Community Response | Heightened awareness and concern regarding rabies |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Newberry County Deputy Cleared After Exposure to Rabid Coyote
Additional Resources
- ABC Columbia
- Google Search: rabid coyote incidents
- WIS TV
- Wikipedia: Rabies
- Cola Daily
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Rabies
- WLTX
- Google News: coyote attacks South Carolina
Author: STAFF HERE NEWBERRY
The NEWBERRY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewberry.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Newberry, Newberry County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Newberry Opera House performances, Newberry Arts Fest, and the Newberry County Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Newberry County Chamber of Commerce and the Newberry Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and agriculture that power the local economy such as Amick Farms and Newberry Mills. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
