Full Breakdown
Jackal Pack Attacks Campers at Duga Beach, Prompting Rabies Concerns
6/13/2026, 10:16:59 PM
Jackal Pack Attacks Campers at Duga Beach, Sea of Galilee
On the night of Saturday, 2 a.m., a pack of jackals entered tents at Duga Beach on the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Eleven vacationers were bitten or scratched; nine were evacuated by Magen David Adom to the Baruch Padeh Medical Center in Poriya, while two received on-site treatment. Injuries ranged from minor leg scratches to severe facial wounds that required stitches and rabies prophylaxis.
Rising Jackal Populations and Rabies Incidence in Israel
Jackals, native medium-sized canids, have expanded sharply in recent years, a trend attributed to easy access to human food waste. The birthing season, currently underway, may increase aggression. Concurrently, rabies cases have surged: the Health Ministry recorded 66 animal-exposure incidents this year (37 dogs, 19 jackals), while the Israel Nature and Parks Authority reported 71 confirmed rabies cases nationwide and 102 cases in 2025. Bite reports have risen in urban areas such as Tel Aviv’s Yarkon Park (estimated 500-800 jackals) and Ramat Gan.
Eyewitness Accounts from Victims
Elena, mother of 12-year-old Alice, described the moment: “My daughter was bitten on her face. We were all sleeping in the tent when suddenly… her entire face was covered in blood.” Alice recalled, “Now, after they treated me, I’m okay.” Grandmother Mira Genin, who slept in the same tent, said, “What was supposed to be a family outing turned into a terrible nightmare, like a horror movie.”
Injuries, Rabies Exposure, and Bite Incidents
- 11 campers injured (9 hospitalized, 2 treated on site)
- Alice received four rabies injections and three facial stitches
- Health Ministry: 19 jackal-related rabies exposures this year
- Nature Authority: 10 jackal bites reported in Ramat Gan, 3 in Tel Aviv (past two weeks)
Official Statements & Responses
The Health Ministry urged anyone bitten by wildlife to seek immediate care and vaccination. Dr. Noa Shacham Hadari, head of the emergency department, emphasized, “Anyone bitten or in contact with a wild animal must seek immediate medical treatment and vaccination.” Dr. Tomer Nisimian of the Nature and Parks Authority noted overlapping rabies cycles in domestic and wild animals. The Authority also stated, “The civilians were evacuated to the hospital because of the importance of receiving treatment and rabies vaccination.”
Calls to Stop Feeding Wildlife and Manage Waste
Authorities warned that feeding or leaving food waste outdoors attracts jackals and escalates human-wildlife conflict. Recommendations include camping only in regulated sites, storing food inside vehicles, and disposing of trash in sealed containers.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on rabies statistics: the Health Ministry cites 66 animal exposures, the Nature Authority reports 71 confirmed cases, and another report mentions 102 confirmed cases in 2025. The attacking jackals have not been captured, leaving uncertainty about the exact number of animals involved and the extent of rabies infection among them.
Direct Voices from the Incident
- “My daughter was bitten on her face.” — Elena, mother
- “What was supposed to be a family outing turned into a terrible nightmare, like a horror movie.” — Mira Genin, grandmother
- “The civilians were evacuated to the hospital because of the importance of receiving treatment and rabies vaccination.” — Israel Nature and Parks Authority
- “Anyone bitten or in contact with a wild animal must seek immediate medical treatment and vaccination.” — Dr. Noa Shacham Hadari
- “Today there are many rabies incidents in dogs, although we have also had unusual cases of rabies in wild animals, including a rock hyrax and a badger.” — Dr. Tomer Nisimian
What’s Next
The Ministry of Health plans intensified rabies vaccination drives for at-risk populations. The Nature and Parks Authority will continue efforts to capture the responsible jackals and to implement stricter waste-management protocols at popular camping sites. Public advisories urge travelers to avoid contact with wildlife and to report any further incidents promptly.
