On Wednesday, February 2, 2022 beginning at 10:45am, Arlington County Animal Control and the Arlington County Police Department began receiving complaints regarding a fox aggressively approaching people and dogs around the 3500 block of N Utah Street and 4507 of 33 rd St N. We believe these incidents involved the same fox. The fox had potential contact with three domestic pets and bit one human unprovoked causing injury. The fox in question was exhibiting signs and symptoms consistent with rabies. Arlington County Animal Control officers were able to locate and seize a fox in the Gulf Branch neighborhood at 3:25pm the same day.
Arlington County Animal Control urges citizens to only contact them when a fox is displaying abnormal behavior. Urban foxes are born right in our neighborhoods and are generally familiar with us, our pets, and our routines. Occasionally, a curious fox may need to be reminded to be wary of people, especially if someone has been feeding them, which is not advised or legal. The easiest way to encourage a healthy fear of people is to use humane negative conditioning techniques, called “hazing.” Some examples of hazing are to clap your hands, raise your voice, blow a whistle, or shake/toss a aluminum can with some pennies inside. Get more information about wildlife conflicts and resolutions here.
Rabies is a disease that people and animals can catch from the bite or scratch of infected animals. It is fatal if medical care is not given promptly. Arlington County Animal Control and the Arlington County Department of Human Services are urging anyone who may have been bitten or scratched by any wild animal, including a fox, to reach out immediately. Residents are encouraged to:
- Ensure pets are up to date on their rabies and distemper vaccines.
- Keep dogs on a leash at all times and keep cats inside.
- Do not approach or feed any wild animals, and feed pets inside.
- Remove wildlife attractants from yards, such as unsecured garbage cans, open containers of
food and compost.
Arlington County Animal Control urges residents to remain vigilant, and if they see a fox that appears sick, lethargic, disoriented, or aggressive to stay away from the animal and call Animal Control immediately. If you come across a deceased rabies vector animal (including cats, dogs, foxes, raccoons, and groundhogs) in your yard or a public space please also contact Animal Control promptly and do not handle the animal.
Thank you!
