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A rabid coyote found last week on the East Side was the second confirmed rabies case of the year, prompting health officials to warn that everyone should be cautious when encountering wildlife.

The coyote was spotted near Marshall Elementary School, near East Golf Links Road and South Camino Seco, said Tucson Unified School District spokeswoman Estella Zavala.

The Pima County Health Department received a call that people had seen a coyote in the area and thought it was dead, said Patti Woodcock, department spokeswoman.

"When an animal-care officer arrived, the coyote was not dead but it was exhibiting signs and symptoms of being rabid," Woodcock said. "The coyote was foaming at the mouth and vomiting."

A letter went home to parents of Marshall students, Zavala said. However, it does not appear as though anyone had direct contact with the coyote.

Last year, 107 animals tested positive for rabies in Pima County, according to a news release from the Health Department.

With two confirmed cases of rabies in only the first week of 2006, officials say it is important to take precautions including:

● Do not approach or attempt to catch wild animals.

● Do not feed, touch or adopt wild animals, and be cautious of stray cats and dogs.

● Teach children to leave wildlife alone.

● Keep pet vaccinations up to date.

● Close garbage can lids tightly.

● Never leave pet food outside.

With the nice weather and lack of rain, Woodcock says, more wild animals will be coming into urban areas in search of food and water.

If you are scratched or bitten by an animal, wash the area with soap for 10 to 15 minutes; report the incident to the Health Department, 740-8315, or Pima Animal Care Center, 743-7550; and call your physician.