BERKELEY – A fox that later tested positive for rabies was found dead on Pinewald-Keswick Road near Double Trouble State Park.
Ocean County Health Department spokesman Brian Lippai said that the fox was found dead and picked up by Berkeley Township Animal Control. The remains were tested and the animal was positive for rabies.
Double Trouble has been closed since a potentially rabid fox was involved in encounters with people and a dog on August 28.
The State Park Service and Department of Environmental Protection disputed news reports that the dead fox was the same one.
“There have been erroneous reports that the fox involved in these encounters has been caught and tested positive for rabies. A deceased juvenile fox was found Tuesday in another part of the park and tested positive for rabies on Thursday. Based on descriptions provided by visitors, it is not believed to be the same animal involved in Monday’s incidents. In addition, the Park Service and Fish & Wildlife have no information at this time that any visitors were bitten or scratched by fox at the park,” the state reported.
The park remains closed until further notice.
Anyone with questions or concerns that they may have come into contact with the animal may contact New Jersey State Park Police through the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s hotline at 877-WARNDEP (877-927-6337).
The Ocean County Health Department provided these tips on how to recognize if an animal is rabid:
In order to protect people and pets from unwanted wildlife interactions and any potential rabies exposure:
If you are bitten by a wild animal or had contact with its saliva:
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