Rabid Fox ‘Attached’ Itself to North Georgia Woman’s Leg Outside Retirement Facility
HOSCHTON, GEORGIA — A woman in north Georgia was attacked by a rabid fox that clung to her leg and refused to let go during a terrifying encounter outside a retirement facility earlier this month, according to the Northeast Health District in Athens.
The attack occurred on October 9 along Manor Lake Circle in Hoschton, a rapidly developing area of Jackson County located less than two miles from Jackson County High School.
Fox Latched Onto Victim’s Leg, Wouldn’t Release
Authorities say the woman, who was not a resident of the retirement facility, was walking outside when the fox suddenly lunged and “attached itself to her leg.”
Deputies with the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office arrived around 8 p.m., finding the animal still gripping the woman’s pants with its mouth. The deputy initially believed the fox was dead because it was motionless but discovered it was still latched on.
A Hoschton police officer who arrived to assist used a Taser on the fox in an attempt to subdue it, but the animal did not react to the electric shock, according to the incident report.
Rabies Test Confirms Infection
After the animal was removed from the woman’s clothing, it was turned over to a Georgia Department of Natural Resources game officer and transported to a state laboratory for testing.
On October 14, the Northeast Health District confirmed the fox tested positive for rabies, marking another case in a series of wildlife-related rabies incidents reported across northeast Georgia this year.
The woman was transported by ambulance to a local hospital for treatment. Officials did not release details about her condition but confirmed she received medical care for potential rabies exposure.
Deputies Describe Rare and Violent Encounter
Authorities said attacks of this nature are rare, but foxes — along with raccoons, bats, and skunks — are among the most common carriers of rabies in Georgia.
“Foxes don’t typically behave this aggressively unless they’re infected,” said one Jackson County deputy. “The fact that it latched onto her and wouldn’t let go is a classic sign of advanced rabies infection.”
Community Alert and Safety Guidance
The Northeast Health District urges residents in Jackson County and surrounding areas to remain cautious and to report any aggressive or unusually behaving animals immediately to local animal control or law enforcement.
Pet owners are also advised to:
- Keep rabies vaccinations up to date for all dogs, cats, and outdoor animals.
- Avoid approaching or handling wild or stray animals.
- Call animal control if a pet encounters wildlife or shows changes in behavior.
This latest incident follows several other rabid animal encounters in north Georgia, including a Hart County grandmother who fought off and killed a rabid bobcat with her bare hands in a 2018 case that made national headlines.
Rabies Awareness in Rural Communities
Rabies remains a serious concern in rural Georgia counties, particularly during the fall when wild animals are more active. Once symptoms appear, the disease is almost always fatal — making immediate post-exposure treatment essential.
Health officials say that anyone bitten or scratched by a wild animal should seek medical attention immediately and, if possible, ensure the animal is safely captured for testing.
As of this month, Jackson County has recorded multiple confirmed rabies cases in both wild and domestic animals, prompting public health reminders to remain alert.
Residents who encounter wildlife showing signs of disorientation, unprovoked aggression, or daytime activity should avoid contact and notify authorities.
Have you witnessed recent animal encounters in your community? Share your story or safety tips with SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com to help raise local awareness.
