Possibly Rabid Fox Reported In Hillsborough

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — A fox, that could possibly be rabid, is being reported in Hillsborough Township.

There have been recent reports of a fox exhibiting peculiar behavior in the western portion of town, according to the township.

It was last reported on Thursday at 7:45 p.m. in and around the area of Dogwood Drive, township officials confirmed.

"Typically, foxes are friendly and do not pose much of a threat to humans or house pets and will often scurry away from human interaction, except when they are rabid, which is very rare, or when they are captured and handled. (Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus that is found in the saliva and central nervous system fluid of a rabid animal and can be passed onto humans or another animal.) Even then, a fox's natural tendency is to flee rather than fight," according to the township.

Residents are reminded not to feed or touch the foxes or any wildlife such as deer, raccoons, squirrels, and others.

If a resident encounters a fox, they should stay silent, stand well away from the animal, and give the fox an escape route, and just leave it to run away. If the fox's curiosity causes it to approach a resident, residents should clap and shout to scare them away. This will teach foxs that humans are a danger and to avoid us.

Residents are also advised to keep pets on a leash to avoid any encounters.

If residents see a fox or other wildlife behaving unusually, call the Hillsborough Police Department 908-369-4323 or Animal Control Solutions at 908-722-1271.

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