(Ithaca, N.Y., January 21, 2023) – Tompkins County Whole Health is alerting the community that a gray fox was located last night, January 20th, around 10:00pm near the Ravenwood Apartments (University Ave, Ithaca) and has been retrieved by the Tompkins County SPCA Animal Control.
It is believed to be the potentially rabid fox that was in the same area on Friday. Foxes mate in monogamous pairs and are territorial. The SPCA searched the area and found established dens, so they were most likely a mated pair.
Those residing in the area should continue to remain alert for wild animals and report any suspicious behavior to the Tompkins County Environmental Health Division at (607) 274-6688.
If anyone was bitten by the fox or think they or their pet may have come in contact with the fox or any other wild animal, contact Environmental Health, 24/7.
Tompkins County Whole Health reminds everyone to:
- Avoid contact with any unfamiliar cats or dogs and any wild animals.
- All cats, dogs and ferrets must have initial rabies vaccinations administered no later than four months of age. Keep vaccinations current! NYS law also requires that dogs be licensed in the municipalities in which they reside.
- Report the following incidents to Tompkins County Environmental Health at 274-6688:
- All animal bites or scratches.
- Any human or pet contact with saliva or other potentially infectious material (brain tissue, spinal tissue, or cerebro-spinal fluid) of wild animals or any animal suspected of having rabies.
- All bat bites, scratches, or any mere skin contact with a bat, or a bat in a room with a child, or sleeping or impaired person.
Learn more about Environmental Health’s rabies prevention and control services at: https://tompkinscountyny.gov/health/rabies.
Tompkins County Whole Health is your partner for a healthy community. Find us online at TompkinsCountyNY.gov/health, and follow us on Facebook at Facebook.com/TompkinsWholeHealth and on Twitter at @TCWholeHealth. Sign up to receive Health Department updates or other county announcements via email or text.
Media Contact: Shannon Alvord, salvord@tompkins-co.org
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