Aggressive Fox Bites Woman, Charges at Family in Mechanicville

Wild Few Weeks for Wildlife

It has been a crazy few weeks for wildlife encounters in the Capital Region.

Just days after reports of a rabid beaver near Lake George, Mechanicville police say they responded to multiple incidents involving an aggressive fox that reportedly bit a woman and later charged at a father and his two young children.

Woman Attacked by Large Fox

According to the Mechanicville Police Department, the first incident happened Sunday afternoon on Elizabeth Street, where a woman was doing yard work when a large fox ran toward her and bit her on the lower leg. The police say she suffered a bleeding injury and was taken to Saratoga Hospital for treatment.

While officers searched the area, another resident reported that the fox had attempted to bite an elderly man before disappearing into nearby brush.

Elizabeth Street in Mechanicville, the area where a woman was attacked by a large fox. Photo: Google Maps

Another Incident on Monday Morning

Then, according to reports, another one happened this morning.

Mechanicville police say that early Monday morning, a father told police he and his two children were outside near North Seventh Avenue when the fox suddenly emerged from the brush and charged toward them. The family was able to get inside safely.

Read More: Man And Dog Rescued At Kaaterskill Clove Waterfall In Hudson Valley 

After several additional sightings, officers located the fox. Police said it was walking unsteadily and displaying behavior consistent with the earlier reports. Because of the danger to the public, the animal was euthanized.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has been notified, and the fox will be tested to determine whether it was infected with rabies or another illness.

Police are reminding anyone who may have had contact with the fox, or who may have a pet that did, to contact their healthcare provider or veterinarian.