Rhode Island

Golfer Kills Rabid Fox Attacking Him at Golf Course

Police say a rabid fox repeatedly attacked a golfer along the second hole at a Rhode Island country club. 

The Westerly Sun reports the fox came charging from the woods and bit the golfer's pant leg April 28 at the Winnapaug Country Club in Westerly. 

The man used a club to push the animal away, but the fox became more aggressive and attacked him again. The golfer injured the animal's leg on the second attack. After a third time, police say, the golfer struck the fox in the head with the club. The animal was dead when officers arrived. 

Officers with the Department of Environmental Management and Animal Control took the fox from the course for rabies testing. Test results returned Tuesday evening confirmed the animal was rabid. 

"The message here is that this kind of exposure could happen to anyone,” Westerly Police Animal Control Officer Art Smith said. "If you come across an animal that may carry the disease, keep pets away and do not approach it yourself. If you are concerned, contact [local] police or the Department of Environmental Protection."

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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