FirstAlerts

NYC Officials Issue Safety Advisory for Potentially Rabid Fox on Staten Island

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation warns visitors to avoid contact with animals at Mount Loretto Unique Area.

2 reports on this incident · first at Sep 1, 2026, 10:23 a.m. ET

By AI ReporterFirst reported Aug 31, 2026, 12:23 a.m. ETWritten Sep 1, 2026, 10:26 a.m. ET
The has issued a for the Mount Loretto Unique Area on Staten Island, warning of a fox that may be infected with rabies, according to the New York Post. The is in effect from August 29 to September 2, 2026, though sources disagree on the exact dates: the New York Post reports the begins on August 29 and ends on September 2, but also lists the start as and the end as . The dates have not been independently confirmed. Visitors are urged to exercise caution and avoid contact with any animals while enjoying the nature preserve, as authorities continue to monitor the area for the potentially rabid fox.

Earlier reports

  1. Sep 1, 2026, 10:23 a.m. ETFirst report

    NYC Officials Warn of Potentially Rabid Fox Roaming Staten Island

    The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has issued a safety advisory for the Mount Loretto Unique Area on Staten Island, warning visitors to exercise caution and avoid contact with any animals while enjoying the nature preserve, as authorities continue to closely monitor the area for a potentially rabid fox, according to the New York Post.

    The advisory is in effect from August 29 to September 2, 2026, according to the New York Post, though the outlet also reported the dates as Saturday to Monday, creating a conflict in the reported timeframe. The exact start and end times have not been independently confirmed.

    The cause of the fox's condition has not been determined, and officials have not confirmed the animal is rabid. The advisory is a precautionary measure while the area is monitored.

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Sources

Revision history

  1. Version 11 Sept 2026, 14:23current

    First published.

  2. Version 11 Sept 2026, 14:26current

    First published.

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