Rising Fox Bites Raise Rabies Concerns Among Aberdeen Residents

Fox Bites - A Growing Concern

In recent days, the Moore County community has been shaken by an alarming rise in fox bites, with two residents bitten just minutes apart on a Monday morning in Aberdeen. According to Sheriff Ronnie Fields, the first incident occurred on Midway Road, followed quickly by another on Sycamore Street, both locations close to one another. This unsettling news comes on the heels of two similar attacks in Southern Pines last month, raising concerns about rabies among local wildlife.

Understanding the Risks of Rabies

The captured fox from Aberdeen has been sent to the North Carolina State Laboratory for rabies testing, a necessary step considering the potential danger posed by rabid animals. Rabies is a viral disease that can spread quickly among animals and, if left untreated, can be fatal in humans. Sheriff Fields emphasizes that rabid animals may showcase abnormal behavior, such as unusual boldness or aggression. These symptoms can be misleading, as normally healthy foxes are typically shy and nocturnal. Residents are urged to remain vigilant, especially if they encounter wildlife behaving unusually.

Public Response and Precautions

Animal Services has stepped up efforts to monitor wildlife in the area, advising residents to report any unusual animal behavior immediately. Sheriff Fields has encouraged the public to exercise caution and take preventive measures, particularly during dawn and dusk when wildlife is most active. The community is reminded that protection against rabies is not solely the responsibility of animal control; proactive observation and reporting by citizens play a vital role in public safety.