Wild Animal Encounters Addressed By Rye Brook Mayor

RYE BROOK, NY ? People and wild animals have coexisted as neighbors in the Hudson Valley since long before the existence of maps with town names like Rye Brook, Yorktown and New Amsterdam, but when the balance with nature is disrupted, it can cause problems for both man and beast.

Rye Brook Mayor Paul Rosenberg took to social media on Tuesday to address concerns about a slew of recent bobcat sightings and reports of a possibly rabid fox terrorizing joggers and family pets in neighborhoods. While the mayor urged caution, especially where pets are involved, he also reminded his constituents that bobcats and foxes are not only native to the area, but in most cases, have a healthy mistrust of humans and generally keep their distance.

Rosenberg said that because, in this case, there are indications that the fox at the center of the concerns is showing indications of possibly having rabies or being otherwise unhealthy, city officials have hired a trapper to capture the animal.

He noted that while there have been no fox sightings today, the fox has had aggressive encounters with a jogger, three separate dog walkers and at least one family dog that tangled with the animal. Rosenberg said the professional trapper will work with village police and only operate on public property.

SEE ALSO:

• Rye Brook Police Warn About Aggressive Fox
• Rye Brook Police Report Sightings Of 'Multiple' Bobcats In Area
• Rye Issues Coyote Warning
• Aggressive Fox Bites 3 People In Yorktown

Mayor Rosenberg's full statement can be read below:

I want to take a moment to address some people?s concerns regarding aggressive behavior by what could be a rabid fox, as well as several bobcat sightings throughout the village.

Yesterday, the Village contacted and hired a trapper to deal with the aggressive fox. The trapper will be going through the area with the RB Police today, and then he will let us know what he finds and how many traps are put out (only on public property).

The concerning interactions occurred with one jogger, 3 separate incidents of people walking their dogs who were chased and hissed at by the aggressive-acting fox, and a dog that got into a fight with the fox. The general areas of the incidents have been on Woodland Ave (near Hillandale), Rockridge/Rich Manor, and Meadowlark. No calls have come in today about an aggressive fox. If the fox is determined to be rabid or sick the police will take it down if the surrounding conditions are safe.

Please realize that bobcats and foxes are native to this area and have been here for a very long time. Unless they are rabid, bobcats generally avoid all contact with humans. But I would suggest for the time being, do not leave pets outside unattended.