Jackal Pack Attacks Swimmers at Sea of Galilee Beach, 11 Hospitalized

A pack of jackals attacked swimmers in the Sea of Galilee area, injuring 11 people, including three minors. The wounded were taken to North Medical Center in Tiberias for urgent treatment after the incident, which unfolded in the last few hours at a beach in the Kinneret region.

According to the report, the jackals were likely drawn by food left in tents and began searching for it. Panic followed, and some vacationers were scratched before being treated at Poria Hospital and released. Inspectors and police eventually chased the animals away from the beaches.

Yossi Nvea, chairman of the Kinneret Cities Association, said the group views the event with “concern and seriousness” and called on the Nature and Parks Authority and the veterinary services to urgently reduce the jackal population in the area and deploy inspectors at night throughout the summer. He said the association regrets what the vacationers experienced and will keep working to eliminate the problem.

North Medical Center said all of the patients arrived after jackal bites, received full medical care and the required vaccinations, and were discharged home except for one woman who came from another beach later and remained under observation. Dr. Noa Shaham Hadari, head of the emergency department, urged the public to seek immediate treatment after any bite, scratch, or close contact with a wild animal, avoid contact with stray or wild animals, keep them away from homes and children, and ensure pets are vaccinated. She also said people should avoid feeding wildlife and should keep picnic areas and beaches clean so as not to attract animals. The center said all patients are in stable condition and were treated with wound disinfection, rabies and tetanus shots, and additional preventive care as needed.