Aggressive Fox Bites 3 People In Yorktown

YORKTOWN, NY — A fox has attacked three people in Yorktown over the past weekend, the Westchester County Department of Health said, and the fox is still at large as of Monday. The fox is believed to be rabid, due to its aggressive behavior, health officials said.

Nearby residents were alerted by robocall, the department said.

The first attack happened at 6 a.m. Saturday when a jogger was bitten by a fox on Lee Boulevard. A second man was bitten in his backyard on North Deerfield Road at 8:30 a.m.

At 12:30 p.m. Sunday, a woman was bitten in her backyard.

All three are receiving preventive rabies treatment.

Health Commissioner Sherlita Amler, M.D., said to stay alert and closely supervise children and pets when outside.

“If you see a fox stay away from it and contact local police immediately,” she said.

Unusual behavior may be the first sign of rabies in an animal. A rabid animal may become either abnormally aggressive or unusually tame. It may lose fear of people and become excited and irritable or, conversely, appear particularly passive and lethargic. Staggering and frothing at the mouth are sometimes noted.

Residents who see a stray or wild animal acting strangely should avoid contact with the animal and alert local authorities to avoid possible exposure to rabies. Residents are also advised to keep their trash can lids securely sealed and avoid leaving pet food outdoors.

Any physical contact with a wild or unfamiliar animal should be reported to a health-care provider. All animal bites or contacts with animals suspected of having rabies must be reported to the Westchester County Department of Health at 914-813-5000, 24 hours a day.

Keeping pet rabies vaccinations up to date is also important for protection against rabies. New York State law requires dogs, cats and ferrets to be vaccinated against rabies and receive regular booster shots. For more information, go here or call the Rabies Infoline at 914-813-5010.

Image via Shutterstock.