Sick Fox Shot By Police

Fox was showing signs of having rabies

Humboldt Sentinel
1/4/09
By Sentinel Staff

ARCATA -- Police officers answering a report of a sick Fox near Buttermilk Lane and Beverly Drive at about 10 a.m. Saturday followed it to a nearby yard. Since the fox was clearly ill and showing signs of having rabies, the officers shot it to limit risk to people and animals in the area.

Since early fall, Arcata police officers have shot sick foxes in about six similar incidents; several times the foxes have been aggressive. All but one have been encountered in the Sunny Brae and Bayside sections of Arcata; several others have been shot by Bayside residents.

Sunny Brae and Bayside residents as well as people in other areas of Arcata are urged to use caution when encountering foxes under any circumstances.

Feeding pets outside can bring foxes to your yard; take food bowls in at night. Make sure to light dark yards before entering them and use caution when investigating strange noises in your yard at night.

Any fox sightings and encounters should be reported to the Arcata Police Department. For information call Sgt. Dave Brown or the on-duty watch commander at (707) 822-2428.