According to a Thursday, April 10th Josephine County Sheriff’s Office press release, the Josephine County Animal Control has responded to eight calls regarding foxes that have been potentially rabid over the last two months.
Three of these include attacks against people who have subsequently been advised to immediately seek medical treatment. Four were attacks towards dogs and cats, and one was a sick fox observed near a residence with the most recent incident taking place April 5th, 2025.
Of these incidents, Josephine County and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife have sent five of the foxes to Oregon State Health Authority for testing, and they have been confirmed as positive for rabies. The other three foxes were not recovered.
The people involved have stated the foxes appeared friendly at first before attacking. Anyone that has an encounter with an animal acting out of the ordinary is encouraged to get to a safe space and keep their pets in secure areas.
Foxes are primarily nocturnal and sightings during daylight hours are out of the ordinary. Bats, foxes, and coyotes have been known to contract rabies and have the potential to infect other mammals.
People should be vigilant and keep themselves and their pets away from any wildlife that may be acting out of the ordinary.
Please contact Josephine County Animal Control and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife if a wild animal is observed acting out of the ordinary.
