A local mother recently sprung into action when a rabid fox bit her 4-year-old daughter, as the mother reportedly held down the fox before police officers killed the animal.

New Hampshire first responders earlier this week received a call that a fox bit a child.

Hollis Police and EMS responded to the Truell Road address, where the girl’s mother had been “able to physically hold the fox down,” police said in a statement.

The responding officers took control of the fox, which was showing “obvious signs of illness and aggression,” police reported. The officers as a result killed the fox at the scene.

New Hampshire conservation officers later tested the fox, which tested positive for rabies.

Both the mother and girl received medical treatment, and they were expected to be OK.

Following the incident, the police department received some critical calls from the public. Some residents were upset that the officers killed the rabid fox.

“As Chief of Police, I stand behind the officers actions,” said Police Chief Brendan LaFlamme. “They acted quickly and professionally to make the scene safe so that the injured 4-year-old could get the treatment that she needed.

“Their actions prevented any further injury to people and animals, slowed the spread of this disease, and ended the animals suffering,” the police chief added.

The red fox and gray fox are common and abundant in Massachusetts. Both species can be found throughout the state, except on Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket.

If you want to make your property less attractive to foxes and avoid having problems with these small predators, MassWildlife says to follow these basic practices: