Second Rabid Fox Found in the Arlington
Between May 6 and 7, 2025, Arlington County Animal Control responded to several reports of a fox approaching dogs and people in the following neighborhoods:
● Arlington – East Falls Church
● Leeway Overlee
● Highland Park – Overlee Knolls
On Friday, May 9, 2025, Animal Control recovered a dead fox from the bike trail near N. Ohio St. and 14th St. N. in Highland Park—Overlee Knolls. This fox tested POSITIVE for rabies. While this fox matched the description of the fox that had contact with pets and residents earlier in the week, Animal Control cannot confirm that it is the same animal.
Last month, on April 25, 2025, Animal Control removed an injured fox from the 6000 block of 22nd St. N. in Highland Park – Overlee Knolls. This fox also tested POSITIVE for rabies.
Rabies is a disease that people and animals can catch from the bite or scratch of infected animals. It is deadly if medical care is not given promptly.
What to Do if You See or Come Into Contact with a Wild Animal
Stay away from the animal and do not touch it.
If you encounter any of the situations below, call Arlington County Animal Control immediately at 703-931-9241. After hours, stay on the line to speak with the answering service, which will alert the on-duty officer.
• If you, your child, or your pet has contact with a fox or wild animal
• If you see any animal that looks sick, sleepy, unsteady, or is overly aggressive
• If you find a dead animal that could carry rabies (including cats, dogs, foxes, raccoons, bats, and groundhogs)
Currently, Animal Control is prioritizing sick foxes and other wild animals that could carry rabies. Please contact us only if the animal is approaching people or pets or appears injured, sick, or dead. Removing or relocating healthy wildlife is illegal. Your understanding and support help us protect both residents and wildlife.
How to Stay Safe
To lower the risk of rabies, residents should:
● Watch children closely when they are outside or walking to and from school.
● Ensure pets are up to date on their rabies and distemper vaccines.
● Keep dogs on leash and under control.
● Check your yard for wildlife before letting your pet outside, and always supervise your pets when they are outdoors.
● Keep cats indoors.
● Do not approach or feed wild animals.
● Feed pets inside.
● Remove things that attract wildlife, such as open garbage cans, open containers of food (including pet food), heavy yard debris, and compost.
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For media inquiries, contact:
Jennifer Toussaint (she/her)
Chief of Animal Control
Animal Welfare League of Arlington
jtoussaint@awla.org
