Rabid Fox Bites Two In Rehoboth Beach

[longnecker]

Rabid Fox Bites Two In Rehoboth Beach




REHOBOTH BEACH, Del. - Two people in one local beach town were bit by a rabid fox. Rehoboth Beach Police say they got multiple calls about a fox displaying strange behavior, but every time they responded, the animal was no where to be found.
They finally caught up with the fox, near Oak Avenue, where a second person was bit. The animal reportedly charged aggressively at the officer, who in turn shot and killed it. Animal Control came and picked up the fox, which later tested positive for rabies.
Both victims were treated at Beebe Medical Center and released. The Health Department has contacted them about the rabies test.
The Rehoboth Beach Police Department is reminding residents to never approach an animal that looks or acts strange, or is showing aggressive behavior. They also suggest checking family pets for bites and scratches, and making sure they are up to date on their shots.
http://www.wmdt.com/story/19419013/r...rehoboth-beach

[Jessica]

Yikes.

I have to tell you that I don't even think I'd know what "strange behavior" is for a fox. There are a ton of foxes in the woods up near Newark Country Club. They come out and hang by the dumpsters at the nursing home and church. They always look really mangy, and they never seem to be afraid of people. I used to see red foxes as a kid constantly in the woods along the Red Clay Creek - back where Brandywine Springs Park used to be, but they were always so afraid of people that they weren't a threat.

Oddly, I was driving up Harmony Road last week, almost to the intersection of 273, and there was a HUGE red fox sauntering from someone's back yard, just kind of checking out the road. It must have come from the woods near Gallagher Elementary. Such a busy area, and such a weird place to see such a shy creature.

[Bellicose]

Seen a raccoon​, on 72 about 3 in the afternoon last week, walking in the middle of the road. Looked like it needed some directions because it looked lost. Turned to Wifey and said that thing is rabid, they don't come out during the day. Either that or it was deathly sick and ready to pass. Not sure what happened to it, but I can say I did not see it ran over in the road later that night.

[Jessica]

I've noticed tons of raccoon road kill lately - more than I ever remember seeing before. I don't think I've seen a live raccoon around here, so to see so many on the side of the road is kind of weird.

I will say that down in Florida I noticed a ton of raccoons out and about in the day. Something to do with the sunshine and weather. Around here it's something that I'd worry about, but maybe the heat waves this summer had something to do with it?