AMHERST — Last month, reports of rabid foxes attacking humans in western Massachusetts seemed almost commonplace after several back-to-back incidents within a short period of time. Now, pets are apparently in the crosshairs, with two killings reported in Amherst this month.

The most recent incident happened Saturday morning, when a toy poodle was killed by a fox in a residential North Amherst neighborhood, according to the Daily Hampshire Gazette. Earlier this month, a cat was killed by a fox in Amherst, the Northampton newspaper reports.

Amherst Animal Welfare Officer Carol Hepburn urged residents to watch their small pets, particularly during the summer months when foxes actively hunt rabbits, rodents, squirrels and other small animals. “Protect your animals from wildlife. Always be aware when your animals are outside,” Hepburn told the Gazette.

While last month’s attacks on humans were the result of rabies, a deadly viral infection that can make animals aggressive toward people, the attacks on animals were likely the result of defensive actions on the part of the fox, an omnivore that will eat everything from bugs to birds to fruit and garbage.

MassWildlife spokeswoman Marion Larson told the Gazette that pet attacks are likely defensive in nature, meaning a fox was protecting its territory or a nearby den, rather than predatory attacks aimed at securing food sources.

News Link:-http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2012/06/dog_cat_killed_in_separate_fox.html