WASHINGTON D.C.: Animal control officers have captured a wild fox after it followed or attacked several people near the chambers of Congress, according to U.S. Capitol Police.

Earlier, Rep. Ami Bera (D-Calif.) told reporters that he was bitten this week outside the Senate.

“I did not see it and all of a sudden I felt something lunge at the back of my leg. I jumped and got my umbrella”, Bera said, reported PunchBowl News editor Heather Caygle.

After the attack, the House Sergeant-at-Arms alerted lawmakers that Capitol Police received three reports of “individuals being attacked or bitten by a fox” after sightings amused congressional aides and journalists.

The House office said one fox encounter took place outside the U.S. Botanic Garden at the base of the Capitol, and a second incident was reported on the same day on the southern side of the Capitol.

In a third incident, Capitol Police said they “received a call about a fox approaching staff near First and C Street NE.”

Following these reports, a fox was photographed by Yahoo reporter Tom LoBianco outside Union Station, a short walk north of the Capitol.

The authorities warned, “Foxes are wild animals that are very protective of their dens and territory. Please do not approach any fox you see.”

On Twitter, the Capitol Police said, “We have received several reports of aggressive fox encounters on or near the grounds of the U.S. Capitol. For your safety, please do not approach any foxes.”

Soon after being captured, photos of the red fox being held in a cage were posted on Twitter by Capitol Police.