BERKELEY TOWNSHIP, NJ – A rabid fox is loose in Double Trouble State Park and officials have decided to keep the park closed through the Labor Day weekend as a safety precaution.
The NJDEP also cleared up misinformation circulating on the internet in regards to the situation at the park.
NJDEP State Park Service and NJDEP Fish & Wildlife continue to monitor Double Trouble State Park in Ocean County for a potentially rabid fox that was involved in encounters with people and a dog on Monday. The park remains closed until further notice. Protection of public health and safety is our first priority.
“There have been erroneous reports that the fox involved in these encounters has been caught and tested positive for rabies. A deceased juvenile fox was found Tuesday in another part of the park and tested positive for rabies on Thursday,” the NJ DEP said. “Based on descriptions provided by visitors, it is not believed to be the same animal involved in Monday’s incidents. In addition, the Park Service and Fish & Wildlife have no information at this time that any visitors were bitten or scratched by fox at the park.”
Anyone with questions or concerns that they may have come into contact with the animal may contact New Jersey State Park Police through the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s hotline at 877-WARNDEP (877-927-6337).