Update: More Fox Attacks Reported in Saratoga
Fox attacks are considered rare, however there have been more than a few reports of aggressive fox behavior in Saratoga recently. On Wednesday morning, a woman was attacked by a fox on the Railroad Run trail near West Circular Street, police said.
According to the Times Union, a woman was attacked by a fox while jogging. The fox approached from behind before latching onto her leg. In an attempt to remove the fox she was bitten in the arm. Police arrived on the scene and shot and killed the fox as the attack continued.
Fox attacks have been on the rise in the United States including a recent incident in the Capital Region. WNTY reports that the Department of Environmental Conservation have received reports of fox attacks on the Skidmore College campus in Saratoga Springs.
Wildlife Online states that the result of a fox attack is typically a minor bite and extremely rare. Yet there have been occasions in New Jersey, Georgia, Virginia and now New York of fox attacks. If you see a fox, contact the DEC at 1-844-332-3267.
New Jersey:
According to NJ.com, a fox attacked two people in Monmouth County, New Jersey over the weekend. One victim stated that the fox held onto their shoe but that they were able to break free without injury. Another resident was bitten in the leg, treated at the scene and then taken to a local hospital, according to police.
Virginia:
On July 5th, in Williamsburg, Virginia two people were attacked by a fox at Busch Garden. Fox News said, a man and a boy were involved with the boy being bitten. Although the child is in stable condition, the fox was captured and later died.
The fox bite may be minor in nature but the concern is Rabies. According to the Mayo Clinic:
- Rabies is a deadly virus
- The rabies virus is usually transmitted through a bite
- Animals most likely to transmit rabies in the United States include bats, coyotes, foxes, raccoons and skunks.
- Once a person begins showing signs and symptoms of rabies, the disease nearly always causes death.
- Anyone who may have a risk of contracting rabies should receive rabies vaccinations for protection.