Police and animal control officers are investigating after two people reported being bitten by a fox late Sunday night and Monday morning in Middleborough, Massachusetts.
The fox attacks now have people on edge while authorities focus on trapping the animal so no one else gets hurt.
Police received a 911 call at 7:10 a.m. Monday after a woman was bitten by a fox at the Kampgrounds of America (KOA) on Plymouth Street.
An ambulance transported the woman to a local hospital and the Middleborough Animal Control Officer was notified. The woman's condition remains unclear.
Just a half mile down the road at 9:45 p.m. Sunday, another woman, Crestena Astorga, was bitten 11 times by what authorities believe to be the same fox.
"It was so terrible. Terrible. My God," sighed Astorga.
She said she was attacked when she went out to the driveway of her Murdock Lane home to get something from the car.
Astorga's daughter, Gabby Goncalves, heard her screaming, and went outside to see what was happening. She grabbed a snow shovel and hit the fox that was attacking her mother.
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"I saw the fox biting her and I hit it with a snow shovel. I hit it with all the strength I have," said Goncalves. "I am just glad it wasn’t my 8-year-old daughter because she would have been dead. The fox was insanely crazy I have never seen an animal like this."
Both attacks are believed to have been carried out by a single animal. The animal control officer and police were actively searching for the fox Monday morning in the area of Route 44 near the Nemasket River.
Massachusetts Environmental Police were assisting in setting up traps at KAO campground. They had hoped to capture it by the end of the day.
Authorities have not said whether they believe the fox may have had rabies but are warning residents to stay vigilant.
"Defend yourself the best you can try to create distance to get away from it," said Middleborough Police Sgt. Mike Silba.
Authorities said healthy foxes can be seen during the daytime (unlike raccoons, where daytime sightings are concerning) and will generally avoid humans. Out of the ordinary or aggressive behavior should immediately be reported to Middleborough Animal Control.
Anyone who may have come into contact with a fox recently or anyone who was attacked or bitten by a fox is urged to seek medical attention. Anyone who sees a fox in the area of Route 44 and Plymouth Street is asked to call Middleborough Animal Control at 508-946-2455.
