Fox Captured At U.S. Capitol Could Be Killed For Rabies Testing

A feminine purple fox suspected of biting folks close to the U.S. Capitol constructing was captured by animal management officers Tuesday — and he or she could also be killed for rabies testing below Washington, D.C., regulation.

Capitol Police introduced the fox’s seize on Twitter alongside a number of images of the animal. The announcement got here hours after the division tweeted it had “acquired a number of experiences of aggressive fox encounters on or close to the grounds of the U.S. Capitol.”

#BREAKING: Captured. pic.twitter.com/LJAn2ZjH9J

— U.S. Capitol Police (@CapitolPolice) April 5, 2022

One of many folks bitten was Rep. Ami Bera (D-Calif.), who instructed Heather Caygle of Punchbowl Information that the assault was “unprovoked” and the fox lunged in the back of his leg.

Rep. Ami Bera confirms he was BIT by the Senate fox final evening

He described assault, which occurred close to Russell constructing, as “unprovoked”

“I didn’t see it and unexpectedly I felt one thing lunge in the back of my leg,” Bera mentioned.

“I jumped and acquired my umbrella,” he continues

— Heather Caygle (@heatherscope) April 5, 2022

“Our officers shall be taking steps to make sure the proper fox has been captured,” Sam Miller of the Humane Rescue Alliance, the nonprofit that’s contracted to run D.C.’s animal care and management facility, instructed HuffPost.

But when the captured fox is the fitting one, it’s not precisely clear what's going to occur. U.S. Capitol police mentioned in its tweet that that animal management officers “are working to lure and relocate any foxes they discover.” When reached by HuffPost, a police spokesperson mentioned the fox’s destiny is a query for animal management.

When requested whether or not killing the fox was on the desk, Miller referred HuffPost to D.C. rules on wildlife bites. The regulation states that “wildlife that has bitten an individual or animal, or brought on a possible rabies publicity to an individual or animal” have to be euthanized instantly for rabies testing. (As a result of rabies testing includes mind tissue, it can't be carried out on a residing animal.)

A purple fox noticed exterior the north facet of the Russell Senate Workplace Constructing in Washington on April 4.

Michael Macagnone/CQ-Roll Name, Inc through Getty Photos

The D.C. Division of Well being didn't instantly reply to requests for remark from HuffPost.

The captured fox was feminine, Miller mentioned, and animal management officers are working to search out out if she had any kits within the space.

CORRECTION: A earlier model of this story mentioned Capitol Police captured the fox. Whereas Capitol Police tweeted in regards to the incident, animal management officers have been those to seize her.