Michelle Danos, a student at Texas State University, set out for a peaceful evening walk at Purgatory Creek Natural Area in San Marcos, Texas.
After finishing her shift, she hoped the natural trails would help her unwind and clear her mind.
The park, known for its scenic beauty and extensive hiking routes, seemed like the perfect escape.
But what was supposed to be a calming stroll quickly spiraled into a terrifying ordeal.
The Unexpected Threat
As Michelle wandered near a field of blooming Prairie coneflowers, she suddenly noticed movement in the bushes behind her.
To her shock, a fox was walking steadily toward her—not running, snarling, or behaving like a typical wild animal.
Usually, foxes shy away from humans, but this one was different.
It approached her calmly but with an eerie determination that immediately felt wrong.
Fighting Off the Fox
The fox’s behavior escalated when it suddenly bit Michelle’s ankle.
In a desperate effort to protect herself, she threw rocks and pushed the animal away, but it kept coming back.
The attacks were relentless—she was bitten six times before finally managing to fend it off by throwing the fox into a cactus.
Michelle recalls, “I grabbed it with my hand and threw it… Then it came at me again.”
She even accidentally used her cellphone as a weapon, mistaking it for a rock during the struggle.
With every attack, her fear grew, wondering if anyone nearby would hear her screams for help.
The Aftermath and Medical Care
After escaping, Michelle ran to a nearby family who called 911.
She was immediately treated and started receiving rabies shots—a critical precaution given the circumstances.
Rabies treatment involves a series of vaccinations over several days, and Michelle knew she had a long process ahead.
She shared, “I have to get more tomorrow, and then seven days, and then 14 days. So, it’s a process.”
Not an Isolated Incident
Michelle was not alone.
That same day, three other hikers were attacked by foxes near the Beatrice, Dante, and Ripheus trails, all within the Purgatory Creek area.
These multiple attacks raised alarm bells for local authorities and health officials.
What Could Have Caused This Behavior?
Urban biologist Natasia Moore from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department investigated the trail shortly after the attacks.
She explained that such aggressive behavior is highly unusual for foxes in the area.
Sometimes, animals act aggressively to protect their den sites, but no such activity was found near the trails.
Unfortunately, the most likely explanation is that the fox was infected with rabies, a deadly virus that causes animals to behave erratically and aggressively.
Understanding Rabies and Its Risks
Rabies is a fatal but preventable viral disease transmitted through bites or scratches from infected animals.
If untreated, it causes severe brain inflammation and almost always leads to death once symptoms appear.
Madison McLarry, an epidemiologist with Hays County Public Health, stressed the seriousness of rabies: “If you show symptoms, it’s almost always fatal.”
The incubation period varies depending on where the bite occurs, but early treatment after exposure is essential.
Safety Measures and What’s Next
Following the attacks, large warning signs were posted at the trail entrances, cautioning hikers with flashing messages like “Rabid Fox In Area” and “Hiking Not Advised.”
Meanwhile, officials continue to search for the fox, but if it is rabid, it is likely near death or may have already died.
Michelle’s experience serves as a stark reminder that even peaceful nature trails can hold unexpected dangers.
Authorities urge hikers to stay vigilant, avoid approaching wildlife, and seek immediate medical care if bitten or scratched.
What happens next depends on whether the fox is caught and if further measures are needed to protect visitors to Purgatory Creek Natural Area.
For now, hikers are advised to proceed with extreme caution.