HOLLY SPRINGS - A fox attacked a dog Saturday at a home on Optimist Farm Road, five days after another fox that was rabid scratched a Sunset Lake Village homeowner in the same area of Holly Springs, town officials said in a news release.

Also Saturday, a diseased and possibly rabid raccoon was found in one of the traps animal control officers had set out in Sunset Lake Village where the first fox attack occurred, the news release stated.

"The concern is we might have a larger rabies outbreak than first thought," Holly Springs Police Lt. Anthony Revels said Sunday.

The Optimist Farm Road incident occurred as a resident was exiting his home with his pet chihuahua. As soon as the dog reached the bottom of the steps, the fox attacked. The resident shot and killed the fox.

That fox has been sent to a state laboratory for rabies testing. Results are expected by Wednesday. The chihuahua, which had not been vaccinated against rabies, has been quarantined. Police said the dog owner was not exposed.

The raccoon found in a trap does not meet state criteria for rabies testing since no people or pets were believed to have been exposed, the release state. Even so, animal control officers suspect it was rabid.

The Sunset Lake Village homeowner who was scratched in the first fox attack is undergoing rabies prevention treatment. Animal control officers believe that fox may have given birth recently, but the fox pups have not been found. Officers say they may be too young to survive on their own.

Facing the possibility of three rabies cases in less than a week, Holly Springs police are again urging residents to call (919) 557-9111 if they see wildlife behaving abnormally, especially near homes. Pet owners should ensure their animals are vaccinated against rabies.