A local mother recently sprung into action when a rabid fox bit her 4-year-old daughter, as the mother reportedly held down the fox before police officers killed the animal.

New Hampshire first responders earlier this week received a call that a fox bit a child.

Hollis Police and EMS responded to the Truell Road address, where the girl’s mother had been “able to physically hold the fox down,” police said in a statement.

The responding officers took control of the fox, which was showing “obvious signs of illness and aggression,” police reported. The officers as a result killed the fox at the scene.

New Hampshire conservation officers later tested the fox, which tested positive for rabies.

Both the mother and girl received medical treatment, and they were expected to be OK.

Following the incident, the police department received some critical calls from the public. Some residents were upset that the officers killed the rabid fox.

“As Chief of Police, I stand behind the officers actions,” said Police Chief Brendan LaFlamme. “They acted quickly and professionally to make the scene safe so that the injured 4-year-old could get the treatment that she needed.

“Their actions prevented any further injury to people and animals, slowed the spread of this disease, and ended the animals suffering,” the police chief added.

The red fox and gray fox are common and abundant in Massachusetts. Both species can be found throughout the state, except on Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket.

If you want to make your property less attractive to foxes and avoid having problems with these small predators, MassWildlife says to follow these basic practices:

Don’t feed or pet foxes: Feeding can cause foxes to act tame and over time, may lead to bold behavior. Foxes that rely on natural food items remain wild and wary of humans. Secure your garbage in tough plastic containers with tight-fitting lids and keep in secure buildings when possible.
Close off crawl spaces: Foxes will use areas under porches and sheds for resting and raising young. Close these areas off to prevent animals from using them.
Keep bird feeder areas clean: Use feeders designed to keep seed off the ground, as the seed attracts many small mammals foxes prey upon. Remove feeders if foxes are regularly seen around your yard.
Don’t let foxes intimidate you: Don’t hesitate to scare or threaten foxes with loud noises, bright lights, or water sprayed from a hose.
Protect livestock: Keep livestock such as rabbits and chickens in secure enclosures that prevent entry from above and below.
Protect pets: Foxes can view cats as potential food. For the safety of your pets, keep them leashed at all times. Also, feed your pets indoors. Outdoor feeding can attract many wild animals.