Holly Springs Animal Control officers are awaiting rabies testing on a diseased fox they trapped Wednesday in Sunset Lake Village. They suspect it was the same fox that had scratched a homeowner there the previous day.

Test results on the euthanized fox are expected by Friday. The homeowner has begun rabies prevention treatment as a precaution.

Holly Springs police put out word of the possible rabies case through automated telephone messages to residents in the vicinity. Police ask that citizens call (919) 557-9111 about any unusual sightings of foxes, including those occurring during daylight or close to houses.

Recently, at least two homeowners in other parts of town have reported seeing a fox in their yard or in woods nearby. In one case, an Animal Control Officer trapped a healthy fox and released it in woods away from any homes.

Loss of wildlife habitat is bringing humans and wildlife such as foxes in closer proximity. Animals impaired by rabies or other disease may act unpredictably or aggressively, approaching people rather than running away.

Homeowners should not set out food for foxes, raccoons or other wildlife, police said. Securing garbage can lids and removing attractions such as pet food bowls can also help keep wildlife at an appropriate distance.

Last Sunday, another homeowner in Sunset Lake Village reported being chased by what she thought was a cat. Animal Control officers set out a cat trap. After the incident Tuesday morning, they concluded the animal probably was the fox and set out larger traps.

On Wednesday, Animal Control officers found a fox in one of the traps. It was diseased.

A Sunset Lake Village resident recently had seen a fox carrying one of her litter of fox pups. Police are not certain whether the diseased fox is the same one that had given birth. Police Chief John Herring said the fox pups may never be found if they are too young to leave the den on their own.

(source: Town of Holly Springs)