SANFORD, Maine — Public safety officials are warning the public of a possible rabid fox in the Sanford area.
On Saturday, the Sanford Police Department posted on Facebook to warn the public of a fox with possible rabies in the Chippendale Drive area. In partnership with police, the Maine Warden Service reportedly sent a wildlife conflict agent to locate the fox.
If you see a fox that appears "lethargic or unhealthy," police ask you to call them at 207-324-3644.
"It is not normal for a fox to approach humans or domestic animals, and caution should be used if a fox does not run away," police said in the post.
Rabies is a disease caused by a virus that affects the brain and spinal cord and can be fatal if untreated, according to the Maine Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The disease can be spread by a bite or scratch from an infected animal.
If you have been exposed to the virus, the Maine CDC recommends cleaning wounds for 10 to 15 minutes and immediately calling a local game warden and your local health care provider.
More information on rabies, treatment, and prevention for both humans and animals can be found here.