Hero Citizen Captures Likely Rabid Fox In Egg Harbor Township, NJ

Michael Heath is an Atlantic City, New Jersey Police Officer (retired).

More than 30 years ago, I nicknamed Michael Heath, “The Hero,” because of his willingness to perform challenging and dangerous tasks that most people would run away from.

The nickname is earned and has rightly stuck.

Likely Rabid Fox Spotted In Egg Harbor Township, NJ Neighborhood — Michael Heath To The Rescue

On Saturday, September 4, 2026, citizens in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey were understandably panicked with the sighting of a fox in their residential neighborhood during the daylight hours.

Many times (daylight sightings) means that the fox is rabid and aggressive. This was undoubtedly the case, yesterday.

The fox that Heath encountered was staring him down, while foaming at its mouth. Heath knew the fox was sick — He captured the fox anyhow — when most people would run the other way as fast as they could.

I Interviewed Heath About His Quick Actions

Michael Heath photo of rabid fox — photo taken from his truck.

I was coming home from work and arrived to our Forest View Court neighborhood. We have a neighborhood watch Connection. My neighbor started sending text messages out that there was a Fox on our straight. I drove my vehicle right up to him. He just stared me down, foaming at the mouth, you could tell he was sick. I ran home and got my long poke skimmer net and captured the fox, (see below), said Heath.

The Fox Was Trying To Chew Through The Net

The Fox was chewing his way through my net trying to bite.

The Rest Of The Story

Heath safely restrained the fox for 45 minutes, until Animal Control arrived and took the fox away.

Heath did everything right. He caught the fox, without injuring it and restrained it until the appropriate officials could arrive and properly removed the fox from the residential neighborhood.

Heath Told me About Another Fox Sighting From Yesterday & An Actual Bite This Time

My buddy at work yesterday told me about his mom, who was attacked by a rabid fox at the Egg Harbor Township nature reserve. It took a nice chunk out of her leg. She has already received the first seven of 14 rabies shots already, said Heath.

Clarification:

Regarding the second fox outlined above — this incident occurred at the Industrial Park in Egg Harbor City and not at the Egg Harbor Township Nature Reserve. The Atlantic County Board of Health confirmed this to Suzanne Fenton, who I have just had a very good conversation with.

I Confirmed This With Suzanne Fenton, A Very Passionate Wildlife Rehabilitator In Atlantic County.

We had a positive discussion about a number of different things, for example the differences between gray and red foxes.

Fenton wants everyone to know that there is no way to know if a fox (or, any animal) has rabies, without testing.

Fenton Also Wants The Public To Know

That not every Fox, Raccoon, or, any other animal that you may encounter has rabies. She is rightfully concerned that this can create hysteria within the community, which should be avoided at all times.

My Final Thought:

This was never about creating an atmosphere of hysteria — it was only about giving a good Samaritan credit for stepping up and doing a good thing — When many would understandably cut and run the other way.