Residents on the run after being out-foxed by foxes

The number of rabies cases this year has spiked with nearly 50 state-wide rabid fox reports, according to the North Carolina Wildlife Commission. Wildlife officials said they are getting calls about rabid foxes, particularly in Wake and Durham counties.

Scott Thompson said he had only a bat to protect himself against a fox that kept attacking him Monday afternoon on Chesterfield Road in Raleigh.

"As soon as I stepped back, it lunged toward me,” Thompson said. "It ripped my pants to shreds."

Officials said that fox was rabid. Thompson was not scratched or bitten, but he must undergo rabies shots as a precaution.

"It was very scary. It was unnerving,” Thompson said.

Rogers, an officer with the Hamstead Crossing Homeowners Association, said the foxes chase dog walkers all the way to their doorsteps. She said one woman couldn't get home fast enough.

"She ended up grabbing the dogs and jumping into someone else's truck,” Rogers said.

Rogers has posted signs to alert residents about the foxes.

Officials warn that a fox seen acting strangely  – stumbling, falling or spinning – may be rabid.

Some wildlife officials said there appears to be a larger fox population this year. However, foxes are not likely rabies carriers.

Rabid raccoons are more common with nearly 150 cases statewide this year, officials said.

Wake County Animal Control officials urge the following:

To report animal complaints and stray animals: