Foxes attack 2 people in Baker Lake
Department of Health issues public health advisory after reported attacks, warns of rabies risk
The Department of Health is warning people in Baker Lake to be on the lookout for foxes and dogs behaving strangely after foxes attacked two people recently in the community. (File photo)
Two people have been attacked by foxes in Baker Lake, spurring the Department of Health to warn people in the community to be on guard for the possibly rabid animals.
One fox bit a resident and another person was attacked, the department announced in a public health advisory Thursday.
The advisory warns people in the community to go to the health centre immediately if they are bitten or attacked by a fox or dog.
Untreated rabies infections are almost always fatal.
The advisory also asks people in Baker Lake to monitor any animals they keep outdoors for changes in behaviour, including behaving strangely, staggering, frothing at the mouth, choking or making unusual noises.
“Animals exhibiting these signs should be avoided and reported to the regional environmental health officer or conservation officer,” states the advisory.
It asks anyone who sees foxes or wolves wandering around the community to report the animal to the local conservation officer at 867-793-2944.
People can report dogs that have had contact with foxes or wolves to the environmental health officer at 867-645-6660.
The Department of Health issued a similar advisory for Resolute Bay after a fox attacked two dogs in that community in January.
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Imaa, aniqta amaruungipuq.