Police Issue Safety Recommendations as Rabies Fear Rises After Attack on Bryan Drive
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Montvale NJ, The Montvale Police Department is urging heightened vigilance after a resident was bitten by a fox earlier this week. The December 2nd incident on Bryan Drive follows a disturbing trend of aggressive wildlife encounters across Northern New Jersey, prompting officials to release crucial public safety recommendations.
The unprovoked animal attack serves as a sharp reminder for Bergen County residents to maintain distance from wild animals and ensure all pets are protected.
The Montvale Fox Incident Details
Montvale Police were dispatched to Bryan Drive around 4:30 p.m. after receiving a report of an animal bite.
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The Victim: A 61-year-old woman was found with a wound on her right leg, near her calf. She was treated by EMS and transported to Pascack Valley Medical Center for further care.
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The Animal: The woman described the animal as small, with red and brown fur and a furry tail. It subsequently ran off behind the house.
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The Search: Tyco Animal Control was notified and searched the northeastern Montvale area, but the animal was not located.
Police Chief Douglas McDowell confirmed that the department initially notified the public via Facebook, warning residents to “Be aware of foxes and keep your distance” and to “Remain vigilant and keep an eye on your children and pets.”
A Disturbing Trend: North Jersey Wildlife Attacks
The Montvale fox bite is the latest in a worrying series of aggressive encounters involving coyotes and other wildlife in the North Jersey region over the past several months. Experts warn that foxes attacking humans—who they typically avoid—can be a sign that the animal is sick, potentially with rabies.
Recent incidents include:
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Sept. 25 & 26: A pair of coyote attacks occurred in Saddle River.
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Sept. 29: A fox scratched a teenage girl in Fair Lawn.
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Oct. 19: A dog was tragically killed by a coyote in Ho-Ho-Kus.
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Oct. 20: A coyote attacked a person walking a dog in Woodcliff Lake.
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Oct. 21: A man was bitten multiple times by a coyote in the front yard of his home in Saddle River.
Crucial Safety Recommendations from Montvale Police
In light of the escalating risks, the Montvale Police Department issued the following essential public safety recommendations:
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Avoid Contact: Do not approach unknown, stray, or wild animals.
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Vaccinate Pets: Ensure that all pets are up-to-date on rabies vaccinations. (Free clinics are often available through the Bergen County Animal Shelter).
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Supervision: Closely supervise both children and pets whenever they are outdoors.
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Report Unusual Behavior: Immediately report any animals behaving abnormally, such as appearing aggressive, disoriented, or showing a lack of fear of people, to the police or animal control.
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Seek Immediate Medical Care: If you or a pet are bitten or scratched by an unknown animal, seek medical attention immediately and report the incident to your local health department, as rabies is almost always fatal if untreated.
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