Fox that bit child positive for rabies

Commerce police officers shot the fox, which had taken refuge under a shed on Hill Street, and turned it over to the Jackson County Health Department, which last week got confirmation that the animal was rabid.

Meanwhile, a raccoon found acting strangely last week near the Commerce Post Office was tested for rabies but the results came back negative.

Officials warn that when wild animals like foxes, skunks and raccoons act strangely — particularly when they lose their fear of humans or become aggressive toward people — are likely rabid and should be avoided.