After two fox bites at a beach in central Greece, officials are warning people to remember that foxes are wild animals, To Vima reported.
What happened?
According to To Vima, fox sightings in Greek cities appear to be increasing. Wildlife rescuers are reporting activity in Athens, Thessaloniki, Volos, and Alexandroupolis.
Public concern sharpened after a fox bit a 17-year-old girl and a woman in two separate incidents at Agiokampos beach in central Greece.
The 17-year-old required medical treatment and also received preventive anti-rabies care.
To Vima reported that local health officials are telling residents to stay away from wild foxes and not to touch or feed them. They also noted that when foxes are reportedly in the area, children and pets need close supervision.
Health authorities say a medical assessment is necessary after any bite, scratch, or saliva exposure involving broken skin or mucous membranes. Animal bites can cause bacterial infections, tetanus, and rabies if they aren't examined.
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Why is this concerning?
When foxes appear in places where people spend time outside, they can pose risks to pets or anyone who comes too close.
Human-wildlife interactions can go up because of things like housing development and habitat destruction. Seeing as several wildfires have happened in Greece this summer, though there isn't clear causation at this time, it's possible that they've contributed to fox sighting numbers going up.
Rabies is considered rare in the country. To Vima reported that Greece's last confirmed rabies case in animals was in May 2014. But officials still say that bites and scratches require caution and medical attention.
Greek health and wildlife agencies are emphasizing prevention. Their guidance is to avoid approaching foxes, avoid feeding them, and avoid encouraging them to remain in places where people gather.
People can also make repeat visits less likely by removing easily available food. While feeding pollinators through strategic gardening is great, feeding other wildlife can create a more harmful kind of dependency.
If contact happens, whether it's with a fox or another wild animal, getting medical advice quickly is still important.
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