Do I need to worry about being bitten by any of the wildlife in our community? 
 

The answer is no, as long as you remember to admire our woodland neighbors from a distance and never try to handle a wild animal!  (If you come across an injured animal, report it to the Wildlife Rescue League at 703-440-0800, or contact president@loftridge.com; never try to rescue the animal yourself!) 

In those very rare exceptions when a wild animal is considered a danger, these simple guidelines can help you learn how to recognize and avoid them:

            1.  Unusual behavior, such as falling down, going in circles, biting themselves or convulsing, is a good indication that the animal has rabies.  Report it to the Fairfax County police department (703-691-2131 – they will put you in touch with the Animal Control Division) and the Fairfax County Health Department (703-246-2433).*

            2.  If a normally nocturnal animal (such as a raccoon, possum, or bat) are seen during the day, they may have rabies, but these animals may be out as a result of losing their nest or some other traumatic event.  The best way to tell if an animal is rabid is by using the warning signs listed above.

Note:  a fox or coyote out during the day is normal behavior, and should not be taken as a rabies warning sign unless the characteristics listed in #1 are also witnessed.

Do foxes or coyotes pose a danger to domestic animals or children?

Foxes have never been known to attack people, children, dogs or adult cats, although it has been reported that on occasion a fox may prey on small animals such as kittens and small cats (when there is no other food source available.)  The normal diet for a fox consists of rats, mice and other small rodents.  Foxes are fearful of any creature larger than itself and view us as a threat, fleeing at the first sign of a dog or person approaching.  Overall, foxes should be viewed as beneficial to a community because they avoid contact with humans and prey on unwanted rodents!

Like foxes, coyotes are not considered a threat to people, and usually turn and run at the sight of anyone approaching.  Unfortunately, however, the coyote diet includes cats and small dogs.  For this reason, homeowners are strongly urged not to let their cats and dogs run or roam freely in Loft Ridge, lest they wander into the coyote's territory and become their prey. County and state officials do not consider them a threat, and have adopted the position that they are here to stay and part of the natural environment.

Picture of a coyote

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