WILSON COUNTY — In Wilson County Tuesday night, a fox bit 3-year-old Tommy Pate as he rode his toy tractor. Neighbors killed the fox, the state tested it, and animal control officers say the animal later tested positive for rabies.
Officers say any wild animal that shows no fear of humans could be showing signs of the disease.
"You have to understand that this fox grabbed hold and wouldn't let loose of the child's ankle," says Carl Utley of Wilson County Animal Control. "The father had to come out and actually beat the fox (to make him let go)."
Tommy is undergoing treatment and no problems are anticipated.
Officers have set traps for other animals. They say recent cases in the area emphasize the need to get pets vaccinated.
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