HARRISON – A fox that was shot to death after it attacked people and pets has tested positive for rabies, state health officials said Wednesday.

Cumberland County sheriff’s Deputy Arnold Packard shot the fox Tuesday at Crystal Lake Park, but only after the animal bit into the work boot of a grocery store customer and chased an elderly couple down a street.

The fox on Monday attacked at least seven dogs and cats in nearby North Bridgton, officials said. The animals are in quarantine, and no people reported being injured.

The fox was tested for rabies at the state Bureau of Health’s laboratory in Augusta.

Wildlife experts said the fox’s erratic behavior was highly unusual. They said even though the fox appeared healthy, its behavior suggested otherwise.

“This one here had a bad reputation, going from house to house, attacking people’s pets. There were some dogs that were 150 pounds, it really didn’t care,” said Jack Knight, who handles animal damage control and wildlife rehabilitation for several Lakes Region communities.

The sheriff’s office was called after the fox bit the foot of Steve Conley about 7 a.m. as he was getting into his pickup truck after buying a cup of coffee at the Village Tie-Up on Main Street.

“I was climbing into the truck and he came out from underneath the truck,” Conley said. “At first I heard it. I’ve never heard a fox. It sounded more like a tomcat howling. Then I felt something latch onto my boot.”

Conley said the fox bit into the back ankle of his work boot but didn’t break through. The animal then let go and wandered away when Conley yanked his foot up into the truck.

Packard spotted the fox at 8:15 a.m. as it started running after an elderly couple out for their morning walk.

Packard pulled his cruiser in front of the fox and followed it to Crystal Lake Park, where he killed it with a single shot.

Owners of the dogs and cats bitten by the fox will have to check whether the animals’ rabies vaccinations are up to date and get a booster shot, Knight said.