According to the Centers for Disease Control, rabies is a deadly viral disease that attacks the central nervous system and is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. It spreads primarily through the bite of infected animals, including dogs, bats, raccoons and foxes. In Peachtree City, this dangerous virus has recently become more than just a distant threat.
According to Fox 5, on July 23, 2025, a child on Log House Road was bitten multiple times by a fox that later tested positive for rabies. The fox had crawled under the family’s car and ran after the family, managing to bite one out of the two children.
According to WSB-TV, health officials warn residents to be cautious and report aggressive animals. The fox had been spotted exhibiting unusual behavior by other residents before the attack.
This incident serves as a reminder that rabies isn’t just a far away danger but an immediate risk in communities like Peachtree City, where wildlife and people live in close proximity. The city’s many golf cart paths and wooded neighborhoods provide easy access for wild animals, increasing the chances of encounters that could lead to infection.
But foxes aren’t the only concern.
Unvaccinated stray cats have also been seen roaming freely, often near golf cart paths and wooded areas. Unvaccinated stray cats pose a rabies risk.
According to Fox 5, on March 28, 2024, a stray cat attacked two friends along one of Peachtree City’s golf cart paths, biting and scratching one of the individuals. The cat was subsequently captured by Fayette County Animal Control and tested positive for rabies.
Because Peachtree City’s golf cart paths wind through wooded areas, lakesides and neighborhoods, they often overlap with wildlife habitats. Staying safe while operating a golf cart is not just about avoiding collisions with other carts—it also means being alert for animals that may dart onto the path or behave aggressively. Residents should keep speeds moderate, maintain a clear line of sight ahead and avoid swerving sharply, which can cause accidents.
If a potentially dangerous animal is spotted on or near the path, it’s best to stop the cart at a safe distance and wait until the animal moves away. Never attempt to feed, touch or scare wildlife, as this can provoke attacks.
In the case of encountering aggressive animals, it is advised to contact Fayette County Animal Control at 770-631-7210 or the Peachtree City Police Department’s non-emergency line at 770-487-8866.
