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

Baltimore health officials are warning the public about several foxes that tested positive for rabies after they were picked up near Stony Run Park, a popular wooded area 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.

Not only should people avoid approaching, feeding or handling wild animals, officials say they should also should not leave pets outside unattended. 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 via a bite, but also through an open cut or a person’s eyes, nose or mouth. It is fatal in humans once symptoms start. Symptoms 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 of those 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.

Blair Adams, a spokeswoman for the city health department, confirmed the people exposed to rabies “directly handled the sick fox” near Stoney Run, which connect several city 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.