The suspected rabid fox that authorities have been seeking in north Forsyth was apparently killed by a resident of the same subdivision where it had attacked a maintenance worker and bit two dogs.

According to the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office, a resident of the Hampton subdivision off Ga. 400 notified authorities Friday that he had killed a fox that went after his dogs Tuesday afternoon.

Not knowing that a rabies alert had been issued for the fox Thursday, the resident got rid of the critter’s body before the sheriff’s office could claim it.

“Because the fox was disposed of before we were ever notified, it was not tested to see why it was acting aggressive,” said Sheriff’s Lt. David Waters.

“We are still warning people to contact us immediately if they observe or come in contact with any wildlife that may be acting aggressive or does not flee from humans.”

It was never confirmed whether the fox in the Hampton community was rabid, though authorities were concerned because it was exhibiting signs of aggressiveness, which is characteristic of wild animals that are rabid.

The resident killed a fox on the same day that one had bitten two other dogs and attacked a grounds worker in the neighborhood.

According to the sheriff’s office, the first incident occurred about 6 a.m. Tuesday on the golf course. The worker was able to fight off the fox before it could bite him.

Later that day, between 10 a.m. and noon, what is believed to be the same fox bit two dogs in an area near the subdivision’s clubhouse.

Both dogs were current on their rabies shots, according to authorities and are being quarantined as a precaution.

Forsyth County has had two confirmed cases of rabies this year.

The most recent case occurred Aug. 29, when a rabid raccoon bit a 72-year-old man in a barn off of Hopewell Road in northwest Forsyth.

The first encounter occurred in June off Waldrip Road in northeast Forsyth. It involved a rabid fox biting a dog and a 45-year-old man.

Forsyth’s neighbors have had several confirmed cases of rabies this year, particularly Hall County, where there have been at least 21.

Waters has urged anyone who spots an aggressive fox or other animal in north Forsyth to call 911. In addition, he said, residents should keep a close watch on children when outdoors and ensure their pets are current on their rabies shots.