WASHINGTON — Two elderly people were bitten by foxes near their homes in separate incidents hours apart Monday in Fairfax County.
The first case happened after 10 a.m. on the 8600 block of Kenilworth Drive in Springfield. The Fairfax County police say an 81-year-old woman was in her front yard when she was bitten by a fox. She went to a hospital for treatment afterward.
The second case happened a half-mile down the road on the 5600 block of Ventnor Lane a bit before 2 p.m. In that case, police say, a man was mowing his yard when he encountered, and was bitten by, a fox. He also went to a hospital for treatment.
It is believed that one fox may be responsible in both cases and traps have been put out to catch it. It is unknown whether the animal or animals had rabies, but animal control officers fear it may be because of how aggressive each victim said the fox they encountered was.
Ron Wexler from the Orphaned Wildlife Rescue Center in Calvert County, Maryland, said most foxes come out at night, and are timid and shy. So if one is coming close to people, it may be sick or injured.
Mammals with the rabies virus may appear to be suffering from paralysis and can also act more aggressive, or friendlier, than normal. Wildlife experts are most concerned about rabies in foxes, raccoons, skunks and bats.
If you see a sickly-looking animal, stay away from it and call animal control for a professional to help it, Wexler said.
Wexler also said homeowners can discourage animals from coming close to their homes by closing trash cans and by not feeding pets outside. Pet food dishes can act as a lure for area wildlife.
