Capitol Police announced on Tuesday that they had captured a wild red fox after it reportedly bit a California Democrat congressman and eight other victims at U.S. Capitol and was later euthanized.
“We have received several reports of aggressive fox encounters on or near the grounds of the U.S. Capitol,” Capitol police tweeted.
“For your safety, please do not approach any foxes. Animal Control Officers are working to trap and relocate any foxes they find,” the agency added.
Three hours later, Capitol Police reported that they have captured the fox.
#BREAKING: Captured. pic.twitter.com/LJAn2ZjH9J
— U.S. Capitol Police (@CapitolPolice) April 5, 2022
California Democrat Rep. Ami Bera claimed that he was the victim of an “unprovoked” attack by the fox outside the Senate on Monday night, according to Punchbowl News.
“I didn’t see it and all of a sudden I felt something lunge at the back of my leg,” Bera said, adding “I jumped and got my umbrella.”
FOX WATCH🦊: Rep. Ami Bera – who was bit by the infamous fox terrorizing the capitol – describes attack, reacts to its capture: “We want the fox to be treated fairly…But I don’t think there’s going to be a lineup where they’re going to have me look at several different foxes”⬇️ https://t.co/iw585BBngE pic.twitter.com/ihikvf8Anh
— Hillary Vaughn (@hillary__vaughn) April 5, 2022
Bera made a joke about the incident on Tuesday, saying “What does the fox say? Last night, I found out…”And then warned his followers about animal bites and should seek a physician immediately in the case of an encounter.
What does the fox say? Last night, I found out…
Joking aside, animal bites are extremely serious. In the case of an encounter, please speak with a physician immediately: https://t.co/J4tmdlZzQI.
Happy to report that I am healthy and back at work serving the people of #CA07. https://t.co/rNX85ItmrK
— Ami Bera, M.D. (@RepBera) April 5, 2022
According to the new report, the aggressive fox was euthanized and officials are working to determine the next steps for the fox kits.
DC Health says “At this time, officials are working to determine next steps for the fox kits. No other foxes were found on the Capitol Hill grounds, but it would not be uncommon to see more as there are many present throughout the District.”
— Frank Thorp V (@frankthorp) April 6, 2022
UPDATE: Three fox kits were euthanized after the mother fox tested positive for the rabies virus.
In the worst possible news ever, per DC Health, the three fox kits that were recovered from the den where the mother tested positive for rabies have been 'humanely euthanized' because "the mother tested positive for the rabies virus and the kits could have been exposed."
— Frank Thorp V (@frankthorp) April 7, 2022
According to Critter Control, foxes are not dangerous and do not harm people unless threatened or if a mother is protecting her kits. One user said, “Foxes will never willingly interact with humans under normal circumstances.”
Urban foxes are very different. I’m in DC and we have them in our neighborhood. They come out at all times of day and sometimes will follow people walking, especially if walking a dog, but I’ve never seen as aggressive one. They steal little things from our yard too.
— MJ Fritz (@eastbank_dc) April 6, 2022
