Crime & Safety
Fox Attacks 5 In Essex County; Killed On NJ Transit Tracks
A red fox bit several people in Essex County. It was euthanized after attacking a cop, authorities said.
ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — A red fox recently bit several people in Essex County and was later killed after attacking a cop, authorities announced Tuesday.
Glen Ridge police 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.
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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).
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Police reminded residents to be cautious around wildlife, and contact law enforcement if there’s “an immediate concern” about an animal. Other calls about wildlife population control and behavior can be directed to the DFW at 908-735-8793.
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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