Fox That Bit, Chased Mahopac Woman Was Rabid

The aggressive fox that attacked a Putnam resident on her own front porch did have rabies, county officials have confirmed. It's the second rabid fox found in Mahopac in a week.

"The Putnam County Department of Health received test results from New York State Department of Health Wadsworth Laboratory that the fox that attacked the Mahopac woman tested positive for rabies," said spokeswoman Barbara Ilardi.

The victim, Merlin Padilla of Agor Lane in Mahopac, found an aggressive gray fox standing on her porch when she returned home, according to news reports. It not only attacked her, biting her and clawing her ankle, but chased her into the house. (SIGN UP: Click here to get Patch’s daily newsletter, news alerts and updates.)

Her wounds required 15 stitches. She's undergoing the usual preventative treatment for rabies.

A fox killed by a resident a week before this Mahopac incident also tested positive for rabies. It had no direct contact with the resident, Ilardi said.

In 2017, there have been eight animals in the county that have tested positive for rabies: three raccoons, two foxes, a bat, a cat and a woodchuck.

All animal bites or contact with wild animals should be reported promptly to the Department of Health at 845-808- 1390. After hours or on weekends/holidays report the incident by calling the Environmental Health Hotline at 845-808- 1390 and press “3.” A Health Department representative will promptly return your call.

The Health Department will test a wild animal for possible rabies after an incident involving human or pet contact. If a family pet encounters a wild animal, avoid immediate handling of your pet, or use rubber gloves and call the Health Department.

SEE: Attacked, Chased By Fox In Mahopac

Image/ DEC