Both Representative Ami Bera and Politico reporter Ximena Bustillo confirmed to CBS News on Tuesday that they had been attacked by a fox while walking outside the Capitol.
Bera told CBS News that he was walking outside of the Russell Senate Office building when something came up behind him"totally unprovoked" and attacked the back of his leg. He said onlookers quickly started yelling to Capitol police, and the fox ran away. Bera said the bite was very light, tearing a hole in his pants but not his sock or leg.
Nevertheless, Bera — who is also a physician — said he started a course of the rabies vaccine just to be safe. Bustillo, an agriculture policy reporter, told CBS News that while leaving the Hill at approximately 3 p.m. on Tuesday, she felt a"pinch" on her ankle.Bustillo said she swung her backpack at the fox because she was afraid it would jump in her face, adding that it ran off once others nearby started yelling.
The fox's capture comes after Capitol police issued an alert to the Senate community warning of possible fox dens on Capitol grounds. The alert, which was obtained by CBS News, said police received reports of attacks or bites at the Botanic Garden and on the House side of the Capitol near the building foundation.
"Foxes are wild animals that are very protective of their dens and territory. Please do not approach any fox you see," the alert said. Capitol police also tweeted an alert Tuesday, writing that there have been"several reports of aggressive fox encounters" at or near the Capitol building. Police added that animal control officers are working to trap and relocate the creatures.
We have received several reports of aggressive fox encounters on or near the grounds of the U.S. Capitol.Animal Control Officers are working to trap and relocate any foxes they find.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Ex-police officer faces jury trial on Capitol riot chargesOver a year ago, two off-duty police officers from a small town in Virginia were charged with storming the U.S. Capitol together. Jury selection is scheduled to resume Tuesday for the federal trial of former Rocky Mount police officer Thomas Robertson. The judge presiding over Robertson's trial questioned prospective jurors for several hours on Monday, the first day of jury selection.
Read more »
Former police officer goes on trial over Capitol riotIn the second Jan. 6 jury trial, Thomas Robertson 's lawyer claims he just went into the Capitol to get a friend. Prosecutors say Robertson was in a standoff with police, entered the Capitol during the riot and later bragged about it on social media.
Read more »
Police nab fox on Capitol Hill after attack on Democratic congressman and other ‘encounters’Police captured a red fox believed to have been involved in several incidents near the Capitol, including an attack on Rep. Ami Bera of California.
Read more »
Former SLC police officer may face jail time for role in U.S. Capitol riotFederal prosecutors are asking that a retired Salt Lake City police detective be sentenced to to 45 days in jail plus 36 months’ probation, 60 hours of community service, and $500 in restitution for his role in the January 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol Building.
Read more »
Police nab fox on Capitol Hill after attack on Democratic congressman, other ‘encounters’Authorities nabbed a fox on the Capitol grounds Tuesday after a member of Congress reported being attacked the previous day.
Read more »
Police capture fox after a congressman was attacked near U.S. CapitolPolice in D.C. have captured a small fox after receiving multiple reports of people being attacked or bitten on Capitol grounds. Rep. Ami Bera confirmed to CBS News on Tuesday that he had been attacked by a fox while walking outside the Capitol building.
Read more »