VALDOSTA, Ga. (WALB) - Just days after a rabid fox was on her own front porch, 5-year-old Oaklyn Parsons is back where her family says she’s happiest — home.

“Our sweet girl is HOME,” Brandi Parsons wrote in a social media update. “We are incredibly thankful that Oaklyn is safe and smiling after such a terrifying experience.”

The Bishop family tells WALB Oaklyn has been released from the hospital and is continuing her recovery at home after the fox that attacked her tested positive for rabies.

Oaklyn remains on the recommended post-exposure rabies treatment schedule and is expected to receive her next round of vaccinations at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday.

WALB will be speaking with Oaklyn and her mothers, Heather Bishop and Brandi Parsons, later today for an update on her recovery and how the family is coping after the frightening ordeal.

The attack happened Sunday outside the family’s home off Mount Zion Church Road near Dewar Elementary School in Lowndes County. According to the family, the fox suddenly charged Oaklyn while she was outside and latched onto her leg before loved ones were able to pull the animal away.

The fox was later captured and tested positive for rabies.

While the attack has sparked concern throughout South Georgia, health officials say incidents like this are extremely rare.

“Generally, an animal that has rabies will act erratically and aggressively,” said Blake Lowery, deputy environmental health director with the South Health District. “Most healthy wild animals are more scared of you than you are of them.”

Lowery said rabies is a virus that can infect any mammal. In the eastern United States, raccoons and bats are the most common wildlife reservoirs, although foxes and skunks can also carry the disease.

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He said the most common warning signs include unusual aggression and erratic behavior. While many people associate rabies with foaming at the mouth, that is not always the case.

“If you do see a wild animal acting erratically or aggressively, it’s important to notify your local animal control so they can investigate,” Lowery said.

Officials also stress that one confirmed rabid animal does not mean there is a widespread outbreak. While rabies cases can increase during the summer months as wildlife becomes more active, Lowery said the number of infected animals remains relatively low.

He added that habitat changes, such as land clearing, may temporarily cause wildlife to move into new areas, increasing the chances of encounters with people, but wild animals typically adapt by relocating.

The South Health District says one of the best ways to protect against rabies is by keeping pets vaccinated and seeking immediate medical attention after any potential exposure to a wild animal.

As Oaklyn continues healing, her family says they’re simply grateful to have their little girl back home.

WALB will continue following Oaklyn’s recovery and share more from the family’s interview later today.

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