Rabid foxes found near popular trail in Baltimore’s Roland Park

Baltimore health officials are warning the public about a set of foxes that tested positive for rabies after being picked up near Stony Run Park, a popular wooded trail in North Baltimore.

Officials at the city’s Office of Animal Control say there could be five more foxes from the same den still roaming in the Roland Park neighborhood and that people should avoid contact and report any potential exposures to the health department.

They should also check their pets for bites and make sure they are up to date on their rabies vaccines.

Rabies is a deadly viral disease transmitted through animal saliva, typically a bite. It is fatal in humans after the start of symptoms, which resemble the flu, but infection can be prevented if treated immediately.

“We take any rabies exposure seriously,” Dr. Michelle Taylor, city health commissioner, said in a statement. “If you have any information about the foxes in the area or believe you may have had contact with a fox, please contact the Baltimore City Health Department.”

It’s not uncommon for animal control agencies to capture rabid animals even in more urban areas of the state. Typically, more than 200 cases are identified in the state each year, and one to two dozen reports are in Baltimore, according to data from the Maryland Department of Health.

State health data shows no reported human rabies cases in Maryland in the decade ending in 2024.

But city officials say at least one person may have had contact with a rabid fox near Stony Run, which connects several neighborhoods.

One fox was picked up near the intersection of Overhill Road and Meadow Lane, while the other was picked up near the 4400 block of Linkwood Road. Both border Stony Run Park.

Anyone concerned that they or their pet had contact with a fox should contact the Baltimore City Health Department immediately at 410-396-4436 during normal business hours, or call the Baltimore City Operator at 410-396-3100 after hours.