Wildlife officials in southern Arizona are on high alert after a 66-year-old woman was viciously attacked by a bobcat suspected of having rabies. The incident, which occurred on Cactus Forest Drive near Saguaro National Park East, left the woman in need of emergency medical treatment for both bites and scratches. Following her treatment in the emergency room, she was subsequently released, as reported by AZ Family.
In a distressing addition to the attack, Saguaro National Park officials cautioned guests about the potential threat posed by wildlife infected with rabies. Reports of dead animals and abnormal behavior among foxes and raccoons spurred concerns over the disease's spread. Even though no carcasses have been hauled in for testing, Arizona Game and Fish game wardens are hot on the trail of the offending bobcat, based on information obtained by AZ Family.
Visitors to the park are advised to remain vigilant and steer clear of contact with local wildlife. In case of any physical interaction with animals, immediate communication with park staff and seeking medical attention are crucial measures. "Rabies is a viral disease that is spread through saliva during a bite, scratch, or mucus membrane contact with an infected animal. Rabies is very preventable in humans with proper medical care given shortly after an exposure to the rabies virus, but it’s almost always fatal if untreated before disease develops," the park warned in a statement, as reported by AZ Family.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department urges anyone who sights the bobcat to contact them at 623-236-7201 and earnestly advise against interacting with the animal. Meanwhile, Saguaro National Park remains a place where visitors should exercise increased caution, remaining alert for any potential dangers lurking within Arizona's picturesque but sometimes perilous natural landscape.
