A Potentially Rabid Fox Is Attacking Westchester Humans

July 24, 2018, 11:47 a.m.

'It fell to the ground, but jumped right back at me, and kept coming at me.'

Three people were allegedly attacked by a not-so-fantastic fox in Yorktown, Westchester over the weekend.

The Westchester Health Department is warning residents to keep an eye out for the aggressive fox, who is still at large. Officials suspect the fox is rabid.

The first attack occurred on Saturday around 6 a.m., when a fox bit a jogger on Lee Boulevard, according to NBC New York.

A 56-year-old man was subsequently bitten by a fox in his backyard at 8:30 a.m., and on Sunday a woman was attacked by a fox in her backyard around noon. Officials suspect the same fox is responsible for all three attacks, but we can't rule out the possibility of a nascent Fox Uprising. Hug your chickens tightly tonight.

"It jumped up on me, it was on my arm, and I kind of pushed it away. It fell to the ground, but jumped right back at me, and kept coming at me," Kathy Coakley told NBC NY.

Coakley said she tried to shoo the fox away, but it bit her on the knee and ankle.

"It came so quickly without warning," said Coakley.

All three victims are receiving treatment for rabies as a precaution.

The Westchester County Department of Health suggests that residents should report any incidents of stray or wild animals acting unusual; an animal acting abnormally aggressive or tame is usually the first sign of rabies. Residents should also avoid leaving pet food outside and keep trash can lids sealed.

All animal bites or contact with animals suspected of having rabies should call Westchester County Department of Health at 914-813-5000. For more information, visit www.westchestergov.com/health or call the RABIES INFOLINE at (914) 813-5010.