HILLSBOROUGH, N.C. — Orange County animal control say tests confirm a fox that attacked an Orange County boy over the weekend was rabid.

The 2-year-old was bitten Sunday in the backyard of his home located northeast of Hillsborough.

The boy's parents took him to the hospital, where he was treated.

According to animal control director John Sauls, fox are likely to experience the "furious" state of rabies, causing them to seek out and attack other animals and humans, even to the point of entering barns and houses to do so.

Anyone out and about who sees a fox during the daytime should consider this and try to get themselves and their animals away as fast as possible.

Pet owners should be certain at all times that their own dogs and cats are currently vaccinated against rabies.

Animal Control will sponsor a reduced-cost rabies clinic date with two locations on Thursday, April 15, from 6 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the Caldwell Community Center on Hwy. 157 N, and at the courthouse parking lot in Hillsborough.

The Animal Protection Society will sponsor another clinic at the Animal Shelter on Saturday, April 17, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.