A hostile red fox attacked five people in New Jersey — leaving three with bite wounds — in a mad spree that ended when cops killed the animal, according to a new report.
Authorities first responded to Woodland Avenue in Verona around 9:15 a.m. Friday, following a report of a person bitten by a fox, NJ.com reported.
While authorities from the Glen Ridge Police Department searched for the animal, the vulpine terror bit two more people, Lt. Timothy Faranda, spokesman for the Glen Ridge Police Department, told the outlet.
Faranda said that there were five attacks reported — “three of which resulted in bite-related injuries.”
The bite victims were treated at local hospitals, according to Faranda.
Authorities ultimately found the animal on NJ Transit railroad tracks near Toney’s Brook, about four miles from where the first bite was reported.
“As officers were tracking the animal, it turned and attempted to attack one of the officers and was subsequently euthanized,” Faranda told NJ.com.
Officers from Bloomfield Animal Control brought the fox to the state Division of Fish & Wildlife for rabies testing, the spokesman added.
Red foxes are often found living in yards, parks and golf courses in the Garden State, according to New Jersey wildlife officials.
They are seldom aggressive toward humans, but tend to prey on small livestock and cats.
Foxes can carry contagious diseases including rabies, mange and distemper. Humans should avoid any foxes that appear sick or are acting abnormally, officials say.