Authorities are investigating multiple reports of fox attacks in Durham’s Carolina Arbors neighborhood over the last two days.
The Durham County Sheriff's Office said at least three times a fox has bitten or scratched pets or their owners while walking in the neighborhood.
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Ramesh and Nancy Rata, along with their 15-year-old pup Heidi, have lived in Durham for years. Heidi loved going on walks, up until a fox attack her early this week.
Ramesh said he saved the dog's life.
"I jumped on it, I must've been screaming," He said. "I was kicking it, jumping on it."
Ramesh said he noticed the fox was on Heidi's collar so he "gave it a huge kick" and finally got the fox off his dog.
It’s unclear if the fox involved is ill. People and pets who are injured are advised to seek medical treatment.
Nancy Ratan said the attacks have residents in the neighborhood shaken, adding that some neighborhood won't leave their houses without pepper spray or a large stick to defend themselves.
"They've closed the pathway right now for safety," she said. "Everyone is on alert. Most people with bigger dogs are taking them up to the dog park, which there is safety in numbers."
People are encouraged to refrain from approaching, trapping, relocating, injuring or killing a fox.
It is illegal to relocate a fox in North Carolina.
The sheriff’s office provided the following precautions:
- Do not feed foxes, other wild animals or feral cats.
- Secure garbage in containers with tight-fitting lids.
- Feed pets indoors, or remove food promptly after outdoor feeding.
- Remove other potential food sources, such as bird feeders or fallen fruit near trees.
- Close off crawl spaces under sheds, porches, decks and homes.
- Secure pets or keep them indoors
- Educate your neighbors. Community-wide efforts are crucial to effectively prevent fox conflicts.
Anyone in Durham County who has a problem with a fox should call animal control at 919-560-0900.