VERMONT – Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park and the Woodstock Police Department are urging caution after receiving multiple reports of an agressive fox near the Faulkner Trail on Mount Tom. Rabies is a suspected cause.
If anyone encounters agressive wildlife in the area around Mount Tom, they should immediately notify local police or park staff. If you come in contact with an agressive animal, seek medical attention immediately.
Rabies spreads through saliva, potentially during a scratch, bite, or mucus membrane contact. With proper medical care, rabies is very preventable in people, but it becomes very fatal if it goes untreated before developing. Animals that behave in an unusual or agressive manner, or who don’t appear to fear humans, should be considered to have rabies. All mammals are susceptible to the disease.
Take the following precautions to protect yourself from rabies:
- Visitors should observe all wildlife from a safe and respectful distance and never pick up or handle a wild animal. Never approach or touch wildlife. If you see sick or erratic behaving wildlife, notify a park employee at 802-457-3368 or call the Woodstock Police Department at 802-457-2337.
- Anyone who has had contact with a wild animal in the park should notify a park employee as soon as possible. You should consult with your doctor in the event you have contacted an animal thought to be rabid.
- Pets should always be on a leash of no more than 6-feet when on park trails.
- Visitors with pets should ensure that all rabies vaccinations are up to date and should discuss any wildlife bites with their veterinarian.