Chapel Hill Police Public Information Lieutenant, Josh Mecimore, says a 911 caller reported being chased by a fox that they believed to be rabid near the Pittsboro Street and Vance Street area. The fox was seen pursuing the victim rather than fleeing, indicating that the animal was potentially unwell.
According to Lt. Mecimore, by the time officers and Animal Control had arrived, the fox was gone, and an area-wide warning was issued.
“We did a Code Red broadcast in that area, asking that folks be on the lookout for the fox, stay away from it; not approach it if they see it.” Mecimore stated. “Clearly, that’s a good idea regardless, but when you’re dealing with an animal that might not be well, it’s especially important.”
While it is still not yet confirmed if the fox is actually rabid, Lt. Mecimore encourages Chapel Hill citizens who encounter the fox to call in.
“Folks in that area need to be aware of the fact that the animal is there, and that there may be something wrong with it, and call us if they come across it.”
If you have any questions or concerns regarding any unwell or possibly dangerous wildlife in the area, please contact Chapel Hill police at 919-968-2760.
Related Stories
‹
![]()
Rabid Fox Attacks Two In HillsboroughOrange County’s twelfth confirmed case of rabies this year involves a fox said to have attacked two people in Hillsborough.
Orange County Reports Rabid Raccoon, First Case of 2026Orange County Animal Services said it identified a positive rabies case in a raccoon found near Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Bicyclist Injured By Driver Along NC Highway 54 in Chapel HillA driver struck and injured a bicyclist on N.C. Highway 54 on Thursday evening. Police later cited them for a failure to reduce speed.
UPDATE: Chapel Hill Police Safely Locate Missing TeenThe Chapel Hill Police Department shared in a release Monday morning that it is searching for a missing 14-year-old.
After Chapel Hill Fire Investigation, Report Reveals Siena Hotel Fire DetailsThe Chapel Hill Fire Department recently provided additional insight into the August fire at the Siena Hotel via a detailed incident report.
UPDATE: Chapel Hill Police Say 14-Year-Old Safely LocatedChapel Hill Police said in a release Thursday that it is searching for a missing 14-year-old, and asked for the community's help.
Chatham County Reports Positive Rabies Case After Fox Bites ResidentA resident suffered a bite from a fox on Tuesday — with the animal later testing positive for rabies, according to Chatham County officials.
Chapel Hill Police Seek Missing Teen, 15, Last Seen MondayChapel Hill Police are seeking your help as they search for 15-year-old Dyani Grant, last seen Monday near Chapel Hill High School.
Local Holistic Crisis Response Team Expands Service Into CarrboroAfter a year of operating in Chapel Hill, the Crisis Assistance, Response, and Engagement (CARE) team is now expanding to include Carrboro as well. The crew is hiring another social worker and adding staff for a second mobile unit, which will also allow for longer operating hours. The CARE team, which is […]
Chapel Hill Police: Missing Pair of Teenagers Located, Reported Safe on TuesdayUPDATE: An alert from Chapel Hill Police at 6:05 p.m. on Tuesday said both Sanyah Whitaker and Crystal Foster were located and are safe.
›
