Head bites: Fox attacks baby next to sleeping mother

A three-month-old baby suffered superficial bite wounds to the head after a fox entered a family home in Hertfordshire, England, according to reports from local authorities and the mother’s account. The incident occurred on Thursday, August 20, around 9 p.m., when the child was sleeping alongside her mother in a bed. The mother, 37-year-old Carly Clarkson, woke up to find a fox sniffing near her face while her daughter, Josephine, lay nearby with visible injuries. Clarkson described the moment as deeply unsettling. She recalled waking to the sensation of something close to her face, which she immediately recognized as a fox. Her infant daughter had sustained four shallow bites to the scalp, though there were no signs of serious injury such as skull fractures or brain damage. Clarkson quickly grabbed Josephine and drove her to the hospital, where medical staff confirmed the child required a tetanus shot and antibiotics as a precaution. The family had left the back door of their house open during the evening due to high temperatures, allowing fresh air into the home. This decision, made by Clarkson and her husband, inadvertently created an opportunity for the fox to enter through the garden area. The animal climbed the stairs leading to the bedroom and approached the sleeping infants. “I could never have imagined that a fox would come inside, walk up the stairs, and bite my child,” Clarkson told reporters. Local wildlife experts suggest that the fox might have been a young animal driven by curiosity rather than aggression. Trevor Williams, founder of the British wildlife protection group Fox Project, noted that attacks of this nature are exceptionally rare. He stated that such incidents are uncommon, with the last similar case reportedly occurring around 2010 or 2012. According to Williams, juvenile foxes often exhibit exploratory behavior, which could explain the unusual intrusion into the home. The family’s older child, who slept in another room during the incident, remained unharmed. Clarkson emphasized how frightening the experience was, particularly given the vulnerability of the situation. Despite the distress caused, the outcome was fortunate, with the baby suffering only minor injuries. Medical professionals confirmed that the child showed no neurological issues and was otherwise healthy following treatment. Authorities have not yet released further details regarding the fox’s origin or whether it will be relocated. However, they are monitoring the situation to ensure public safety and prevent future occurrences. Wildlife officials advise homeowners to secure entry points, especially during warmer months when animals may seek cooler indoor spaces. They also recommend keeping pets indoors and ensuring windows and doors are properly closed to deter unexpected visitors.