What to Know
- A fox that police say attacked five people in a northern New Jersey community has been tested positive for rabies
- Glen Ridge police on Wednesday advised anyone, including pets, that came in contact with the red fox to seek immediate medical attention
- Authorities say the fox was euthanized after it attempted to attack one of the officers
A fox that police say attacked five people in a northern New Jersey community and also tried to attack an officer has been tested positive for rabies.
Glen Ridge police on Wednesday advised anyone, including pets, that came in contact with the red fox to seek immediate medical attention. The animal's first attack was reported around 9:15 a.m. Friday.
As officers from that department and the Bloomfield Animal Control agency searched for the fox last week, authorities learned that two other people had also been bitten. Those three people were treated at hospitals for bite wounds.
Officers later found the fox near the New Jersey Transit railroad tracks. Authorities say the fox was euthanized after it attempted to attack one of the officers.
The two other people attacked by the fox apparently were not bitten by it.
Police also warned that other wildlife in the area may have had contact with the fox, including raccoons, skunks and free-roaming cats. Therefore, residents should be aware of any animals exhibiting abnormal behavior.
