Rabid bobcat claws and bites woman on a walk with her friend, Arizona officials say
A woman was walking with her friend when a rabid bobcat attacked her in Arizona, officials said.
A bobcat approached the woman Aug. 9 near the Atherton Acres community in Kingman, the Arizona Game and Fish Department said in a Facebook post.
The animal then bit and and clawed her legs as the pair backed away, wildlife officials said. She went to the Kingman Regional Medical Center for her injuries.
Wildlife officials said they found an aggressive bobcat in the area the next day. They suspected it was the same one that attacked the woman, so they euthanized it.
It was sent to a lab where it tested positive for rabies, wildlife officials said.
“Bobcat attacks are not common, but when they do occur, rabies is often involved,” the agency said in the Facebook post.
Kingman is about 190 miles northwest of Phoenix.
How to avoid exposure to rabies
Wildlife officials said there are many ways people can avoid rabies exposure.
First, wild animals shouldn’t be touched, picked up or fed, especially if the animal is sick or wounded, officials said.
If a wild animal scratches or injures a person, officials said to wash the wound and area with soap and water. Then make a report to animal control and health officials.
Dogs and cats should also be vaccinated against rabies.
And if an animal acts “unusual, erratic, or aggressive,” in Arizona, it should be reported to the Arizona Game and Fish Department by calling 623-236-7201.
“If you or your pet is bitten, seek immediate medical or veterinary attention and contact your county public health department,” officials said.
This story was originally published August 17, 2023 at 1:18 PM with the headline "Rabid bobcat claws and bites woman on a walk with her friend, Arizona officials say."
