PURGATORY CREEK TRAILS
As of Thursday May 15, an alleged rabid fox has not been located, according to a San Marcos city official. The fox attacked multiple people on Sunday May 11 at Purgatory Creek Trails. The city reports there have been four people who reported direct contact with the fox, but a victim said there were up to nine people being treated at a local hospital after the attack. The Hays County Sheriff’s Office reported the capture of a fox in Wimberley who bit a pedestrian and tested positive for rabies. San Marcos city officials clarified that the incident reported by the Hays County Sheriff’s Office in which a person was bit by a rabid fox at 1:30 p.m. on May 9 at the 500 block of Cypress Creek Lane in Wimberley was not related.
In response to the attacks teams from Animal Protection, the Parks and Recreation Department, Parks and Wildlife and the San Marcos Marshalls Office have been walking the trails in the area of the attacks, searching the brush and pathways for signs of the fox. No fur- ther sightings of the fox have been reported since Sunday’s incident.
“This case is being treated as a presumed positive for rabies, regardless of whether or not the fox is/ was located/tested,” a San Marcos city official said. “Our priority anytime a person or pet is exposed to a wild animal is to ensure that they are able to seek immediate medical attention to protect their well being.”
The city encourages citizens to make sure their pets are vaccinated for rabies, to avoid contact with wild animals and to immediately report all animal bites to Animal Protection by calling 512805-2655.
“Our beautiful parks and nature trails are an awesome amenity for our community, but always remember that you are entering the natural habitats of a variety of wild animals when you’re out enjoying nature,” a San Marcos city official said. “Respect wildlife and stay vigilant when you’re out enjoying the trails.”
