Wildlife Experts’ Advice for Arizona Hikers: Watch for Rabid Foxes

There's nothing quite like spending time outdoors as the weather gets warmer. Whether planning a hike or getting your gear together for some serious camping, be on the lookout for animals acting strangely.

Rabid Fox Attacks Hikers in an Arizona National Park

Wildlife experts advise caution for anyone hiking or spending time outdoors across Arizona. Over two days, a fox carrying rabies attacked three different hikers in the Saguaro National Park in Tucson.

Keep Reading: AZ Officials Release Urgent Warning: Avoid THIS Baby Animal!

Arizona hikers reported an aggressive fox attack in Saguaro National Park. The fox was showing highly unusual behavior, suggesting the fox may have been carrying rabies. The suspicions were eventually confirmed, and the fox was euthanized.

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Arizona Hikers: Look Out for Animals Carrying Rabies

Arizona Game and Fish, @azgfdTucson, posted an advisory on its X (formerly Twitter) account for visitors to the park to be on the lookout for animals carrying rabies.

What to Do If You Spot Wildlife Acting Strange in Arizona

Hikers should be cautious and report any sightings of aggressive wildlife behavior to Arizona Game and Fish. If bitten or scratched, seeking medical advice immediately for potential rabies exposure is important.

According to Arizona Fish and Game, rabies is a preventable viral disease. Always use caution around wildlife since rabies is transmitted through a bite or contact with an infected animal's saliva.

READ: Expert Advice: Beware of Rabid Foxes in These Arizona Counties!

Most of Arizona's reported cases of rabies come from wild animals like bats, foxes, skunks, and raccoons. However, any mammal can get rabies, including domestic dogs and cats, so it's important to ensure your pets are up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations.

Human exposure to rabid animals is rare, but it has to be treated immediately with anti-rabies vaccines and immune globulin. The virus can cause severe damage to the central nervous system and usually leads to death if untreated. Anyone bitten by an animal should get immediate medical attention.

[ MSN | USAToday | AZ Central | Arizona Fish & Game |