Date: Tue, 9 Jun 2009 16:29:57 -0400
From: Al Cooke
Subject: Re: reports of a rabid fox in Fearrington
Re: reports of a rabid fox in Fearrington
Such reports must always be taken seriously. It’s also reasonable to question the reliability of the report. There are likely non-rabid foxes also. And when they are raising young, the need to feed may lead to behavior beyond the “normal.” But we should also assume that rabies is a possibility and protect ourselves.
I want to take issue with the suggestion to use hornet spray. If you look at the hornet spray container carefully, you will find that “it is a violation of Federal Law to use this product in a manner inconsistent with the label.” I’m also confident that you will find nothing on the label about spraying it at foxes. The suggested use is a violation of Federal Law.
What to do? I suspect the best protection is to leave the area in a non-challenging way and report it to local wildlife control authorities, 919-542-8234. In a previous life I had many opportunities to be challenged by free roaming dogs (not foxes) and found that the message conveyed by a visible (large) stick meant that I would not need to use the stick other than visually. Appear and sound large when possible, and keep pets under control. However, I would not assume that strategy would be effective against any rabid animal. I would suggest a yielding the field as quickly as possible without conveying fear. If the animal actually attacks, a stout stick could be a good defense and probably less likely to harm your pet than something sprayed.
alcooke
Al Cooke
Extension Agent, Horticulture
Chatham County Center
N.C. Cooperative Extension
PO Box 279, Pittsboro, NC 27312
919.542-8202; Fax 919.542.8246
http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/chatham/staff/acooke/home.html