Mum tells how fox snuck into home and bit 3-month-old daughter as she slept

Carly Clarkson, a 37-year-old mother from Watford, Hertfordshire, described the terrifying moment a fox entered her home and bit her three-month-old daughter, Josephine, while both were sleeping. The incident occurred on the night of August 20, 2026, when Clarkson awoke to find blood around her infant’s head and the fox sniffing at her face. She immediately realized the danger and grabbed Josephine, chasing the animal toward the top of the stairs before rushing to check on her one-year-old daughter. Clarkson had left the back door of her home slightly ajar, a decision she later regretted. She recounted the experience as “absolutely horrifying,” describing the scene as she found four bloody puncture wounds on Josephine’s head. The injuries, she noted, resembled the damage caused by a dog biting a football. Despite the distress, medical staff at Watford General Hospital confirmed that Josephine suffered no serious harm, no skull fractures or signs of brain injury, and was treated with tetanus shots and antibiotics. The family, still shaken, encountered the same fox near the front door as they left for the hospital. The animal appeared to be attempting entry, suggesting it might have been the same creature responsible for the attack. CCTV footage from the garden captured the fox moving around the property shortly before the incident. The footage, though grainy, showed the animal wandering freely in the yard, seemingly unbothered by the presence of humans. Clarkson and her husband reported the incident to Watford Borough Council, hoping for assistance in addressing the growing concern over local wildlife behavior. However, the council offered only £300 worth of pellets designed to repel foxes. This response, Clarkson felt, was inadequate given the severity of the situation. She has since reached out to The Fox Project, a charity dedicated to managing urban fox populations, seeking more effective solutions. Trevor Williams, founder of The Fox Project, explained that such incidents are exceptionally rare. He stated that the last recorded case of a fox attacking a human in this manner was around 2010 or 2012. According to Williams, the likelihood of an adult fox engaging in such behavior is minimal, as these animals typically avoid close contact with humans. Instead, he believes the incident likely involved a young fox cub, whose natural curiosity led it to explore unfamiliar environments, including human dwellings. Williams emphasized that during certain times of the year, particularly when fox families disperse, cubs may exhibit unusual behaviors. These young foxes, still learning to navigate their surroundings, might enter homes or businesses without realizing the potential danger. In this case, the cub may have tested its teeth on Josephine’s delicate skin, mistaking the baby for prey or simply acting on instinct. Despite the rarity of such occurrences, Williams urged residents to take precautions, such as keeping doors closed and using non-toxic deterrents. He acknowledged the emotional impact of the incident on the family, noting that the experience could leave lasting psychological effects. “This is a unique situation,” he said, “but it underscores the importance of vigilance and proactive measures to prevent future encounters.” As the family continues to recover from the trauma, they remain vigilant about their home environment. Clarkson expressed fear of leaving doors open or using the garden with her children nearby. Her comments reflect a broader concern among local residents about the increasing presence of wild animals in urban areas. While the incident did not result in serious harm, it highlights the need for greater awareness and community efforts to coexist safely with wildlife.