Northbridge Man Kills Rabid Fox That Bit Son
NORTHBRIDGE (CBS) - Northbridge homeowner Dana Stanley says he had no choice but to shoot a rabid fox that was attacking his family.
"I grabbed the gun and called 911 and let them know there's a rabid fox attacked my family I'm going to put it down," Stanley said.
Stanley says the family was just getting ready for Easter dinner when a rabid fox attacked his wife and their 18-year -old son Nick while he was working in the shed in the backyard.
"It chased her and it started attacking her on the ground," Stanley said.
The fox didn't bite his wife, but it did bite his son Nick on the heel.
"My son is fine he's had six shots and he has to get three more," Stanley said.
The fox did test positive for rabies. Animal control officer Daniel Chauvin says the fox was terrorizing several animals and people in the neighborhood.
"Rabies is deadly. If you contract the rabies virus and do not seek treatment early you will die," Chauvin said.
Stanley says his family is fine but a bit shaken up. "I get to be hero for a day or two. It will wear off fast but that's okay," Stanley said.
Nick is expected to be fine and they are monitoring his situation closely. Police want to issue out a warning to residents if they see a wild animal in their yard that appears to be out of control to call police.