Moore County officials are investigating after a rabid fox bit a woman in Southern Pines.
According to Sheriff Ronnie Fields, the bite is one of two in just two days.
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Fields said animal services deputies were called to a fox bite on Sunday on Duncan Road.
When deputies arrived, they said they found a woman who said she had been bitten by a fox while running. After searching the area, deputies said they could not find the animal.
On Monday, deputies responded to a second fox-related incident on Crestview Road in Southern Pines, just half a mile away.
Deputies said a woman said she was attacked while trying to protect her pet from an aggressive fox. Deputies said she killed the fox during the altercation.
It is unclear if the two incidents involved the same fox.
Fields urges residents in Southern Pines community to stay vigilant, especially if they have outdoor pets.
WRAL News has covered rabies bites throughout the Triangle. In Wake County, June saw four reports of rabid fox bites.
Officials said to help minimize the risk of rabies people should avoid approaching animals they do not know and make sure their pets are up to date on their rabies vaccinations. WRAL News has a guide online to help reduce the risk of rabies.