Community Corner

UPDATE: Fox that Attacked Man, Dogs in Forsyth Killed

A resident of the Hampton subdivision killed the possibly rabid fox that attacked a man and bit two dogs.

Update: 10-19-2012, 4:05 p.m.

The fox that attacked a grounds maintenance worker and bit two dogs earlier this week in the Hampton subdivision in north Forsyth was killed by a man of that community, authorities said.

The man, whose name was not released, contacted the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office today [Friday] saying he killed the fox Tuesday that attempted to attack his dogs. Not knowing that an alert had been issued regarding the fox possibly being rabid, the man disposed of the wild animal before it could be recovered by the sheriff’s office. This was the same day the fox had attacked the grounds worker and dogs.

Find out what's happening in Cummingwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“Because the fox was disposed of before we were ever notified, it was not tested to see why it was acting aggressive,” said Lt. David Waters of the Special Services Section.

“We are still warning people to contact us immediately if they observe or come in contact with any wildlife that may be acting aggressive or does not flee from humans,” said Waters.

Find out what's happening in Cummingwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Persons may call 911 or Animal Control at 770-781-2105.

Original Story:

A possibly rabid fox in north Forsyth County has attacked a man and bit two dogs, authorities reported Thursday.

The Forsyth County Sheriff's Office is warning residents to be on the lookout for the fox in and near the Hampton subdivision, located off GA 400 as it remains on the loose.

The incident happened on Tuesday morning while the man, a grounds maintenance worker, was working on the golf course.

“The worker was attacked by the fox around 6 a.m.,” said Lt. David Waters. “The fox did not bite him. He was able to fight it off, but the fox was aggressive. It basically ran over to the worker and began attacking him.”

Later in the day between 10 a.m. and noon the fox bit two dogs in an area near the subdivision's clubhouse. Fortunately both dogs were up-to-date on their rabies shots.

“They were taken to the veterinarian where they received a booster shot," said Waters. "Both dogs have been quarantined to watch them for any possible symptoms.”  

As of this writing, officers with the county Animal Control Unit are patrolling the area searching for the fox.

“We do not know at this time if the fox is rabid or not," said Waters. "However, it is exhibiting signs of aggressiveness, which is something wild animals do when they are rabid."

One of the signs a wild animal displays if possibly rabid is aggressiveness towards humans and other animals. The wild animal would normally flee from humans, but instead does not seem afraid.

Animal Control urges everyone to make sure their pets are up-to-date on their vaccinations.

“If you have not had your pet vaccinated, we urge you to do so before there is any possibility of an exposure to rabies,” Waters said.

Two animals, a fox and raccoon, were confirmed earlier this year as being rabid in Forsyth County.

In the first confirmed case, a fox that bit a 45-year-old man on Waldrip Road on June 5 tested positive for rabies.

The second confirmed case happened at the end of August when a raccoon bit a 72-year-old man on the finger in the northwest part of the county.

“In addition to Forsyth County, Dawson County and Hall County have also had several confirmed cases of rabies this year,” said Waters. “We urge anyone who may spot a fox in the north Forsyth area being aggressive, to immediately call 911. We warn persons to also keep a close watch on children that are outside playing as well as their pets.”

You might also be interested in reading:

Rabid Fox Bites North Forsyth Man

Rabid Raccoon Bites North Forsyth Man

Fox Fact Sheet


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here