2 people bitten by fox in Fairfax County
SPRINGFIELD, Va. - Fox attacks in Fairfax County have residents on edge after two people were bitten near their homes. The incidents happened twice on Monday in a span of three hours in Springfield.
The first attack happened in the 8600 block of Kenilworth Drive when an 81-year-old woman was in her front yard around 10:30 a.m.
"I was coming around, I felt something grab me around the ankle," said the woman. "I looked down and there was this fox. Then I started screaming and he let go. But he kept lunging at me. I was terrified because he kept lunging and I picked up the chair up there and put it in front of me."
She ended up going to the hospital for treatment.
Just before 2 p.m. just about a half mile away, an 84-year-old man was bitten by a fox while mowing his lawn in the 5600 block of Ventnor Lane. He also went to the hospital to treat the bite.
Animal Protection Police said they have placed some traps in the area to try to capture the fox. They are telling people steer clear of any foxes and keep their dogs on leashes to protect them too.
It is unknown if the fox was rabid, but judging by the behavior described, police said it is possible that it is.
Authorities say if you are bitten or scratched by an animal, you should wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water and seek medical attention immediately.
Fairfax County police also say residents should also immediately report animal bites as well as sick or injured animals to Animal Protection Police at 703-691-2131.