A bobcat suspected of being the same one that bit and clawed a woman last week near the Atherton Acres community in the Hualapai Mountains foothills has tested positive for rabies.
The victim and a friend were approached by the bobcat the evening of Aug. 9 while out for a walk. As they backed away, the bobcat clawed the victim’s leg and bit her other leg. The victim self transported to the Kingman Regional Medical Center for treatment.
A bobcat described as aggressive was caught in the area by Arizona Game and Fish Department officers the next day, euthanized, and sent to the state health lab for rabies testing, which came back positive.
According to Arizona Game and Fish, bobcat attacks are not common, but when they do occur, rabies is often involved.
Arizona Game and Fish Department offers the following tips on precautions people can take to avoid exposure to rabies:
Any wild animal exhibiting unusual, erratic, or aggressive behavior should be reported to the Arizona Game and Fish Department at 623-236-7201. If you or your pet is bitten, seek immediate medical or veterinary attention and contact your county public health department.