Potentially rabid fox spotted on Mount Tom in Woodstock

By CLARE SHANAHAN

Valley News Staff Writer

Published: 09-25-2024 1:39 PM

WOODSTOCK — Officials at Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park are asking visitors to report any unusual sightings or interactions with animals after an aggressive fox, who is suspected to have rabies, has approached visitors at the Woodstock attraction.

Multiple people have reported being approached by the fox on or near the Faulkner Trail on Mount Tom since Monday, according to a joint release from the park authority and town of Woodstock.

Anyone in the area who encounters wildlife acting aggressively, strangely or unafraid of humans should immediately report the incident to park staff at 802-457-3368 or to the Woodstock Police Department at 802-457-2337. Animals acting in this way may be infected with rabies.

Authorities also warn that anyone who comes in contact with the fox or another animal they think may be rabid should contact a doctor.

Rabies spreads primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal and can affect any mammal, including humans and dogs. If a human is infected with rabies it can be treated after exposure, but it is almost always fatal if left untreated.

Seven animals have tested positive for rabies in Orange and Windsor Counties since January, according to the Vermont Department of Health; this is a slight increase from 2023, when six animals tested positive. On the Vermont side of the Upper Valley so far this year, animals — including both red and grey foxes, and raccoons — have tested positive for rabies in Hartford, Fairlee, Chelsea, Corinth and Newbury.

Park and town officials request that all pets be on a leash less than 6-feet long and that their rabies vaccinations are up to date. If the animal is bitten, the owner should contact a veterinarian.

The Faulkner Trail is one of six trails in the park and one of two rated easy by the National Parks Service. It connects to downtown Woodstock, ending only half a mile from The Green at the center of town.

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The town of Woodstock and the park are working with multiple agencies including Vermont Fish and Wildlife, the National Park Service Office of Public Health and the Wildlife Health Branch to respond to the situation.

Clare Shanahan can be reached at cshanahan@vnews.com or 603-727-3216.