A Richmond man fought and killed a rabid fox during an early morning walk Sunday along the James River, just hours after another man reported being bitten by a fox at Belle Isle.
Richmond City Health District officials said they strongly suspect the same fox attacked both people but cannot be certain.
"If you look at the locations on Belle Isle and (the Lee Bridge path), it could have been the same fox," said Kenneth W. Smith, environmental health manager for the Richmond City Health District.
Smith said both fox bite victims are being treated with a post-exposure rabies vaccination.
In the first fox attack, the man went to VCU Medical Center for treatment after being bitten at about 1:30 a.m. at Belle Isle. Hospital officials reported the case to the health department.
Hours later, at around 4 a.m., a man walking his dog on a path along Riverside Drive near Belle Isle encountered an aggressive young fox.
Smith said the man told authorities he kicked at the fox numerous times to try to shoo it away before the animal bit him on his lower leg.
Smith said the man subdued the animal and killed it. The man called emergency communication, which notified city animal control.
The dead fox was taken to a state laboratory for testing, which confirmed it was rabid.
Smith advised people to stay away from wild animals, and if bitten by a potentially rabid animal, not to panic.
"Wash and clean the wound with soap and water," he said. Seek medical attention, call animal control and report the bite to your local health department, he added.
If possible, restrain the animal so that it can be tested.
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