Fox That Attacked 5 In Essex County Had Rabies, Authorities Say – Montclair, NJ Patch
ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — A red fox that attacked several people and a cop in Essex County last week has tested positive for rabies, authorities announced.
On Wednesday, the Glen Ridge Police Department said a fox suspected of attacking five people – and having direct contact with at least four – is infected with rabies.
Glen Ridge police previously said five fox attacks were reported in the township on the morning of Nov. 15, including one incident on Woodland Avenue. Three people were bitten during the attacks, and were taken to nearby hospitals.
Glen Ridge police officers located the fox suspected of committing the attacks around 11:35 a.m. on the NJ Transit railroad tracks near Toney’s Brook. As the officers were tracking the animal, it turned on them and tried to bite.
The fox was subsequently euthanized, police said.
Bloomfield animal control officers took the fox for rabies testing by the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife (DFW).
After the test results came back positive, Glen Ridge town officials issued the following advisory to the community:
“The Glen Ridge health department and police department advise anyone who had direct contact with a red fox around Nov. 14 and Nov. 15 in Glen Ridge to seek immediate medical attention and to call the health department at 973-680-4024 for any needed guidance. Rabies is a deadly disease that with prompt treatment is 100 percent controllable, but without prompt treatment becomes a fatal disease. Therefore, it is imperative to obtain prompt treatment following a bite or exposure to the saliva of an infected animal. If a pet is known to have had contact with a red fox around Nov. 14 and Nov. 15 in Glen Ridge, the pet owner is urged to contact his/her veterinarian to discuss proper treatment.”
Officials continued:
“Please be aware that other wildlife could have been exposed to this fox and could also develop rabies, including raccoons, skunks and free-roaming cats. Should there be an immediate concern about an animal exhibiting abnormal behavior, contact the Glen Ridge Police Department.”
Residents should keep their pets current on rabies vaccinations and take the following steps, authorities advised:
- Avoid contact with wild animals
- Do not feed wild animals or stray cats and dogs
- Eliminate outdoor food sources around the home
- Keep pets confined to your property or walk them on a leash
See additional information about rabies, via the New Jersey Department of Health.
According to the DFW, healthy foxes pose “virtually no danger” to humans.
Foxes will prey on small livestock such as ducks, chickens, rabbits and young lambs, but generally do not bother larger livestock. Cats may also be preyed on, state officials say.
The DFW writes:
“Foxes, especially red foxes, commonly live in close association with human residences and communities. They frequently inhabit yards, parks, and golf courses, especially areas that adjoin suitable, undeveloped habitat. Healthy foxes pose virtually no danger to humans. Foxes can grow accustomed to human activity but are seldom aggressive toward people. Expanding housing development, particularly in historically rural areas, increases the chances of interactions between humans and foxes, as well as other wildlife.”
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