A fox wandering Capitol Hill was captured Wednesday morning and has been euthanized after biting at least 9 people including a congressman, according to Washington health officials.
The DC Public Health Lab claims the fox tested positive for the rabies virus and advises anyone who has come in contact with the animal to reach out to authorities.
California Rep. Ami Bera reported being bitten by the fox on Capitol Hill on Monday, but returned to work on Wednesday after treatment. Similarly, Ximena Bustillo, an agricultural policy reporter for Politico, was bitten by the fox in broad daylight on Tuesday.
DC health officials have yet to take additional measures for the rest of the local fox population, including the offspring, or kits, who were found on Capitol grounds yesterday.
The fox’s presence on the hill this week has caused a stir among lawmakers and journalists, with her euthanization upsetting a number of people. The animal seems to have become a mascot during her time in the city as photos and videos of her mischief flooded social media.
The Capitol Police, however, are adamant that everyone steer clear of wild foxes, no matter how endearing they appear.