Staten Island nature preserve under safety advisory after suspected rabid fox bite

rabies outbreak Staten Island wildlife safety Mount Loretto Unique Area New York City

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has issued a safety advisory for the Mount Loretto Unique Area on Staten Island following a report of a visitor being bitten by a fox on Friday. Authorities warn that the fox may be infected with rabies and are urging visitors to avoid contact with wildlife and remain vigilant while in the 241-acre preserve. The advisory is expected to remain in effect through at least Monday.

This incident occurs amid a rise in rabies activity within New York City’s outer boroughs. Data from the NYC Health Department indicates that 20 rabies cases have been logged across Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island so far this year, a rate 57% faster than the previous year. Staten Island has recorded nine cases by late August, matching its total for all of 2025. Since 2022, Staten Island has seen 26 confirmed cases, while Queens has reported 39.

Entities

Brooklyn · Mount Loretto Unique Area · NYC Health Department · New York State Department of Environmental Conservation · Staten Island

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 3 SOURCES] Queens has reported 39 rabies cases since 2022. offthepress.com · internewscast.com · nypost.com
[● 3 SOURCES] New York City has recorded 20 total rabies cases across Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island this year. offthepress.com · internewscast.com · nypost.com
[● 3 SOURCES] A visitor was bitten by a fox on Friday at the Mount Loretto Unique Area. offthepress.com · internewscast.com · nypost.com
[● 3 SOURCES] The current pace of rabies cases is 57% faster than last year. offthepress.com · internewscast.com · nypost.com
[● 3 SOURCES] Staten Island has recorded 26 confirmed rabies cases since 2022. offthepress.com · internewscast.com · nypost.com
[● 3 SOURCES] Staten Island has recorded nine rabies cases by late August. offthepress.com · internewscast.com · nypost.com
[● 3 SOURCES] The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation issued a safety advisory for the Mount Loretto Unique Area. offthepress.com · internewscast.com · nypost.com
[● 3 SOURCES] The safety advisory for the 241-acre preserve is in effect through at least Monday. offthepress.com · internewscast.com · nypost.com

Sources

Fox that may be infected with rabies is roaming this NYC borough, officials warn [offthepress.com]

12 days ago

Possible Rabid Fox Roaming NYC Borough, Officials Warn Residents [internewscast.com]

12 days ago

Suspected gray fox attack in Lebanon parking lot prompts public warning - Valley News [vnews.com]

11 days ago

Fox that may be infected with rabies is roaming this NYC borough, officials warn [nypost.com]

12 days ago