Update 10:40 a.m. Tuesday
The fox that landed a woman in hot water in Fairfax County was returned to the woman Monday night, after officials determined the animal was domesticated and did not require a permit from the state.
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Fairfax County, Va. –– Some Halloween costumes are meant to look foxy but this one included an actual fox.
A 20-year-old woman from Reston faces charges after police said she used a fox as an accessory to a Halloween costume.
Officers saw the woman walking the animal in the Reston Towne Center at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, police said.
The fox was wearing skeleton costume, but police said the woman did not have to proper permit from the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries to possess the animal.
The fox’s name is “Swiper,” is seven months old, neutered, vaccinated for rabies and knows how to use a litter box.
The animal is now sitting the county’s animal shelter until state game officials determine whether or not a special permit is needed to possess the animal.
Alayna Sitterson is charged with unlawful possession of wildlife, police said.
