COHOES, N.Y. - Albany County's Department of Health and Cohoes Police are alerting residents in the Jefferson Avenue/Lansing Park area of Cohoes to be on the lookout for stray animals acting strangely.
This warning comes after a woman was bitten Friday morning by a grey fox that is potentially rabid. The fox was later shot and killed, and taken to a veterinarian in Guilderland where it did test positive for rabies.
"The fox appeared aggressive and bit the woman which leads us to believe it's likely it has rabies," said Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy. "Officials are actively trying to find the fox but everyone should be aware that any animal, particularly a wild or stray animal that is acting strangely could be infected. You should avoid contact with such animals and call 9-1-1 immediately."
Department of Health officials are going door to door this morning to notify neighbors in that area of Cohoes. Officials are asking residents to be vigilant of other animals.
With the incident happening close to a school, many parents are left on
high alert.
"Kids do walk back through that area. Fortunately I pick my kids
up but there a lot of kids that are in that area," said parent Ole Christensen.
"As a parent I mean we need to know what the big issue is, like
how many of them is there. Is there more than one? Cause I mean there's wild
animals all over," said parent Amber Foy.
Police say the procedures in place worked to protect the community. The
woman who was bit immediately sought medical attention, and the police department
sent officers out in search of the fox and alerted the school district.
The district superintendent Bob Libby told NEWS10 they informed parents
through robo calls, but he's still urging parents to talk to their kids about
the incident.
"Use it as a learning opportunity. One should always be cautious
of stray or wild animals that are behaving peculiarly," said Libby.
NEWS10 ABC
