WORCESTER, Mass. — Police and animal control in a Massachusetts city are investigating two fox encounters, including one that resulted in a woman being bitten and hospitalized, authorities said.
Just after 12:30 a.m. Friday, officers received a report that a fox attempted to bite a person in a wooded area near Gibbs Street in Worcester, according to the Worcester Police Department. The individual was not injured.
Worcester Animal Control responded but was unable to locate the fox at that time.
Several hours later, at about 7:15 a.m., police believe the same fox bit a woman near Esther Street. Authorities said the animal first bit the woman on the ankle, then bit her on both hands, causing injuries that broke the skin and drew blood.
The woman and a family member were able to trap the fox beneath a recycling bin, holding it there until police authorities arrived at the scene of the attack.
The woman was transported to a local hospital with non‑life‑threatening injuries.
Animal control contained the fox and euthanized it.
The animal’s remains were taken to Webster Square Animal Clinic, where they will be sent for rabies testing.
The city reminded residents to use caution around wild animals and to report any aggressive behavior immediately.
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