WASHINGTON — UPDATE: The red fox believed to have attacked people on U.S. Capitol grounds this week has been captured, the U.S. Capitol Police confirmed Tuesday afternoon.
#BREAKING: Captured. pic.twitter.com/LJAn2ZjH9J
— U.S. Capitol Police (@CapitolPolice) April 5, 2022
U.S. Capitol Police issued an alert Tuesday morning after receiving reports of a red fox attacking individuals on the Capitol grounds.
One of those individuals was a member of Congress. Rep. Ami Berra told reporters that he was bit on the leg by a fox Monday night.
Rep. Ami Bera confirms he was BIT by the Senate fox last night
— Heather Caygle (@heatherscope) April 5, 2022
He described attack, which occurred near Russell building, as “unprovoked”
“I didn’t see it and all of a sudden I felt something lunge at the back of my leg,” Bera said.
“I jumped and got my umbrella,” he continues
The alert said the fox was spotted in various locations, including the Botanic Garden, the House side of the Capitol and near First and C Streets. Police said the fox may have a den in that area close to the Dirksen Building and another possible den has been spotted near the Russell Building.
Fox News pic.twitter.com/jA9CrWMChf
— Doug Andres (@DougAndres) April 5, 2022
Michael Macagnone, who works for CQ Now, took a photo of a red fox that he spotted while sitting at a gazebo Monday outside the Russell Senate Office Building.
Spotted outside the Capitol: a red fox. I was sitting at a gazebo outside the Russell Senate Office building when this little one came trotting up. Then galloped after a squirrel pic.twitter.com/xrX4sMi9XU
— Michael Macagnone (@mikemacagnone) April 4, 2022
A photographer captured an image of a fox roaming the Capitol grounds Tuesday.
Capitol fox currently in lower senate park pic.twitter.com/YS9LYDtCQ3
— Bill Clark (@billclarkphotos) April 5, 2022
The alert included a warning for people to avoid making contact with any foxes they encounter as the wild animals can be protective of their dens.
Police said Animal Control is on the Capitol grounds, attempting to trap and relocate the fox or foxes.
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