FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DURHAM, NC (Friday, August 1, 2025) – Late this afternoon, test results confirmed that a fox that was found deceased near the Carolina Arbors Community on Thursday, July 31, was rabid.

The Sheriff's Office reminds residents that we cannot confirm if this is the same fox responsible for injuring people and pets earlier this week. The discovery of one rabid animal may indicate the presence of other affected animals. We encourage everyone to continue to be cautious for their own safety and the safety of their pets.

If your pet needs a rabies vaccination, our Animal Services Division offers low-cost vaccination clinics on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays at our office on Glenn Rd. Vaccinations are by appointment only and cost $10 per pet. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit the Animal Services Division page of our website or call 919-560-0630.

  The Durham County Sheriff’s Office Animal Services division, in coordination with NC Wildlife Resources, is investigating multiple reports of fox encounters in the Carolina Arbors neighborhood over the past 48 hours. On at least three occasions, a fox has reportedly bitten or scratched pets or their owners while walking in the community.
While it is currently unclear if the suspected animal is ill, those injured have been advised to seek medical treatment. The Durham County Department of Public Health has been notified of the incidents.
Residents encountering a fox are strongly advised to refrain from approaching it, attempting to trap or relocate it, or injuring or killing it.
To minimize the chances of a fox coming onto your property, residents should take 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.

• Call local animal control (919-560-0900 in Durham County) if the fox exhibits signs of rabies, such as aggression, stumbling, or foaming at the mouth.
• It is illegal to relocate foxes in North Carolina due to the potential to spread diseases and because the animal would likely not survive. The most effective solution is to modify your habits to deter foxes from being attracted to your home.
• If the fox has caused property damage, contact a Wildlife Damage Control Agent (WDCA). WDCAs are private individuals who charge for their services. A list of WDCAs can be found at ncwildlife.org/have-a-problem.
• Foxes can be trapped in some counties during a local fox trapping season. Visit ncwildlife.org/foxseasons to determine if trapping is permitted in your county, or contact a licensed trapper during the appropriate season. A list of trappers can be found at ncwildlife.org/have-a-problem.
• Foxes can be hunted in some counties using firearms and archery equipment. However, always check local ordinances for restrictions on the discharge of firearms and visit ncwildlife.org/foxseasons for hunting season dates and areas.