A Northbridge, Massachusetts, neighborhood is on edge after a rabid fox went on attack.

Police say the fox attacked a horse, several chickens, and a dog Saturday afternoon before ending up in Dana Stanley's backyard.

Stanley says the fox approached his son and bit his ankle, and then began chasing after his wife.

"She fell over and started kicking it, but it was trying to jump on her," Stanley explained.

Stanley says he called police, but as the fox started running toward him, he grabbed his gun and shot it.

"It was surreal when I saw it run up the stairs after me because they should be running in the other direction, not towards you," Stanley said.

Police say the fox did test positive for rabies. The Stanley's son needed six shots and will need three more over the next couple of weeks, but he's expected to be ok.

Animal control officer Daniel Chauvin says he's never seen a rabid animal cause so much damage in a such a short period of time.

"The homeowner did put the animal down and we understand it was a necessary thing, but we certainly don't want people to think this is what people should do every time they see a fox in their yard," Chauvin explained.

Chauvin says where there is one rabid animal there are usually others. If you notice an animal out during the daytime, acting strange or aggressive, try to stay away and call police immediately.