Rabies Scare Alert! Fox Bites Montvale Resident – What North Jersey Needs to Know Now

Montvale Police have issued a critical alert after a resident was bitten by a fox on December 2nd

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Montvale NJ, Urgent Wildlife Warning! Montvale Police have issued a critical alert after a resident was bitten by a fox on December 2nd. This alarming incident is the latest in a troubling series of animal encounters across North Jersey, sparking serious concerns about wildlife safety and rabies risk in our communities.

Montvale Police Issue Immediate Fox Safety Warning

The Montvale Police Department (MPD) took to Facebook on December 2nd to notify the community about the confirmed fox bite incident. While the specific details surrounding the attack remain unclear, the message from authorities is unambiguous: vigilance is essential.

MPD Alert Excerpt: “Be aware of foxes and keep your distance. The fox was seen in the northeastern corner of the town, but it may travel. Remain vigilant and keep an eye on your children and pets.”

This incident serves as a stark reminder that local wildlife can pose a direct threat, even in residential areas. The police department is urging everyone—especially those in the northeastern sector of Montvale—to maintain a safe distance from all foxes and be extra cautious when supervising children and pets outdoors.

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A Disturbing Pattern: North Jersey’s String of Animal Attacks

The Montvale fox bite is not an isolated event. It follows several months of increasingly aggressive and dangerous wildlife interactions in neighboring North Jersey towns, raising the specter of rabies and other public health concerns.

Date	Location	Animal	Incident Details	Rabies Confirmed?
Sept. 16	Vernon	Bear	Bit a woman’s leg inside a Dollar General store. The bear was later euthanized.	Unknown
Sept. 25-26	Saddle River	Coyote (2)	Two separate attacks reported. One coyote was found dead; the other was euthanized due to abnormal behavior.	YES (One tested positive)
Sept. 29	Fair Lawn	Fox	Scratched a teenage girl.	Unknown
Oct. 20	Woodcliff Lake	Coyote	Attacked a person walking their dog.	Unknown
Oct. 21	Saddle River	Coyote	Bit a man multiple times in his front yard. The animal was identified, euthanized, and showed signs of illness.	YES

The confirmed rabies cases in Saddle River are particularly alarming, underscoring the necessity of immediate action if you or your pet are exposed to an unfamiliar or aggressive animal.

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Protecting Your Family and Pets: Essential Safety Tips

In light of these continuous incidents, residents must take proactive steps to minimize encounters with aggressive or sick wildlife.

• ⚠️ Never Approach Wildlife: Do not feed, pet, or attempt to interact with foxes, coyotes, bears, or any wild animals, no matter how tame they may appear. Sick animals can often act erratically, including showing unnatural boldness toward humans.

• 🗑️ Secure Trash and Food Sources: Keep all garbage in secure containers with tight-fitting lids. Remove pet food, fallen fruit, or other potential food sources from your yard, as these can attract animals.

• 🏠 Protect Pets: Never leave pets unattended, especially at dawn or dusk when coyotes and foxes are most active. Ensure your pet’s rabies vaccination is current.

• 📞 Report Aggressive Animals: If you see a fox, coyote, or any animal acting aggressively, confused, or sickly (stumbling, foaming at the mouth, acting unnaturally friendly), immediately contact your local Police Department or Animal Control.

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What to Do If Bitten or Scratched

If you or a loved one is bitten or scratched by a wild animal:

1. Clean the wound immediately with soap and water.

2. Seek medical attention without delay to assess the risk of rabies and begin treatment if necessary.

3. Report the incident to the local police and animal control. Provide a detailed description of the animal and its location.

Stay safe, Montvale and North Jersey. Remain aware, stay vigilant, and let’s work together to keep our neighborhoods secure from these wildlife threats.

Join the new Saddle River Valley, Ramapo and Pascack Valley Communities Facebook group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1931704860512551/
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