A mother in Watford, UK, described a "horrifying" incident in which a fox entered her home and attacked her three-month-old daughter, leaving the infant with four puncture wounds on her head.
Carly Clarkson, 37, was dozing while feeding her daughter Josephine when she was awakened by the fox sniffing her face. She then discovered her baby covered in blood.
"Imagine waking up and your child's blood is next to you. It was absolutely horrifying," Clarkson said. The wounds on Josephine's head were described as looking "like a dog had bitten a football."
The incident occurred on a Thursday night. Clarkson had left the back door open. CCTV footage showed the fox in the garden before it entered the house and attacked the newborn.
Clarkson immediately took Josephine to Watford General Hospital. Medical professionals confirmed there were no fractures to the baby's skull or concerns about brain injury. Clarkson suggested that if they had been positioned differently, the wounds could have been to the face or a major artery.
Clarkson reported feeling violated and unsafe in her home, expressing concern that the foxes in the area are becoming too accustomed to humans, possibly due to being fed.
Encounter with Fox Continues
As Clarkson and her husband were preparing to leave for the hospital, they saw a fox, potentially the same animal, approach their front door and attempt to enter.
They reported the incident to Watford Borough Council, which reportedly offered deterrent pellets priced at £300. Clarkson also contacted The Fox Project for assistance.
"I was very lucky that we came away with just needing some tetanus shots and some antibiotics," Clarkson stated. "I would hate to find out that in a week or in a few weeks' time someone else isn't so lucky."
Expert Commentary on Fox Behavior
Trevor Williams, founder of The Fox Project, called such incidents extremely rare, noting the last comparable event occurred around 2010-2012. He suggested the attack was likely carried out by a young fox cub, as adult foxes typically avoid human proximity.
Williams explained that this time of year involves young foxes dispersing from their families, and while most learn to avoid humans, some may explore unfamiliar territory, including open doorways. He indicated that if undisturbed, a curious cub might investigate its surroundings and test its capabilities, potentially on a baby's skin.
To prevent future occurrences, Williams advised keeping doors closed and using safe, non-toxic mammal repellents, which are available at garden centers and hardware stores.