Shoe-Stealing Fox That Attacked 2 In North Jersey Declared Rabid

PASSAIC COUNTY, NJ — A fox that attacked at least two people in a Passaic County suburb last week has been diagnosed with rabies, according to local health officials.

On Wednesday night, police in Little Falls received reports of an aggressive fox in the area of the Tulip Garden Apartment Complex.

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Authorities said the fox came into contact with two people, one of whom required medical attention. One of the victims reported on Nextdoor that it had stolen her shoe.

The animal was spotted on Turnberry Road, East Main Street, Alida Street, Sindle Avenue, and Montclair Avenue off Pompton Avenue.

Related: Fox Attacks 2 People In North Jersey Suburb, Cops Say

The police and the Clifton Animal Control found the fox the next day, and it was sent to experts to be tested for rabies. The results came in on Monday and were positive, officials said.

Now, local officials have issued a rabies alert to residents who may have had contact with the rabid fox last week.

Any resident who thinks that he/she, or a pet, may have had contact with this fox should contact the Clifton Health Department immediately at 973-470-5760, officials say.

"Active fox dens have been identified in the vicinity of the Peckman River," Little Falls officials said Tuesday. "Residents are urged to exercise vigilance. Do not leave young children or small pets unsupervised outdoors and keep all dogs securely leashed at all times."

Health experts advise that anyone, or anyone's pet, bitten or scratched by an unfamiliar animal, or an animal suspected of having rabies, immediately wash the wound thoroughly with soap and seek medical help.

Rabies is a contagious and deadly disease that can affect nearly all mammals. The disease is spread through bites, scratches, or any exposure to an open wound.

Local health experts are also using the incidents as a reminder for residents to make sure their pets are vaccinated for rabies.

"Pets coming in contact with wild animals are at risk of exposure to rabies. Vaccination (and licensing when required) of domestic pets, including dogs and cats, are key elements in rabies control," said John E. Biegel, III, Health Officer for the City of Clifton.

For more information on rabies, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.