A Kotzebue resident's cat was attacked by a fox, which remains at large after being spotted foraging near the hospital.
Observation by Russel Cameron
A resident of Kotzebue reported his cat was attacked by a fox. Local law enforcement responded and observed blood on the residence porch, however, the resident declined to discuss the disposition of his house cat. At the time of this report the fox remains at large in the community with a possible suspect fox photographed foraging behind the hospital on 10.29.2024
LEO Says
Over time we have seen numerous posts in the LEO network about wildlife and pet encounters. This is the first report of a fox attacking a cat. We reached out to the Alaska State Veterinarian Kimberly Beckerman for additional information and recommendations. Take extra precaution with wildlife and pets until further information is known about this situation. Thank you to Maniliaq and Russell Cameron for taking the time and reporting this incident to the local authority and to the LEO Network.
Consult by Kimberlee Beckerman
It is unusual for a normal, healthy red fox to attack a domestic cat. Starvation (and fighting over food left out or something the cat was scavenging) or disease is more likely to cause this behavior. In Alaska, rabies is the most common infection that causes a red fox attacking any pet or person. When clinically ill and spreading the virus, they will attack and bite anything that moves and even inanimate objects. Other infections that cause brain inflammation can cause similar behavior with canine distemper and avian influenza being the two that we diagnose most frequently in coastal red foxes after rabies.
