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A Saddlebrooke man is getting treated for rabies after a bobcat attacked him just before 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, say Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) officials.
The unprovoked attack occurred at his home on East Flower Ridge Drive, while the man was sitting on his porch.
According to Mark Hart of AZGFD, the man was able to fight the bobcat off with a lawn chair, but sustained injuries on his right leg and left arm during the incident. Golder Ranch Fire Department transported him to Northwest Hospital for treatment.
At this time rabies is suspected, says Hart, due to the circumstances surrounding the attack: Bobcats rarely attack humans, he says, and the violent nature of this attack leads AZGFD to speculate that late-stage rabies in this bobcat is likely what lead to the incident.
If anyone sees a bobcat in the Saddlebrooke area, officials say to call the AZGFD at (623) 236-7201 as soon as possible. Do not approach it.
Hart says no other rabid animals have been spotted in the Saddlebrooke community recently, and this was likely an isolated incident. While this particular bobcat may die soon of the disease, residents should avoid any bobcats in the area, and report any wildlife they may see acting "erratically."
Erratic behavior in wild animals can include:
- appearing unsteady on their feet
- frothing at the mouth
- drooling
- exhibiting characteristics of extreme thirst
- aggression
Rabies is most common in the Sonoran Desert in bats, foxes and skunks, says Hart, though bobcats and javelina can sometimes become infected.
The Saddlebrooke community is located north of Oro Valley, in southeastern Pinal County.
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Anne Simmons is the digital executive producer for KGUN 9. Anne got her start in television while still a student at the University of Arizona. Before joining KGUN, she managed multiple public access television stations in the Bay Area and has worked as a video producer in the non-profit sector. Share your story ideas and important issues with Anne by emailing anne.simmons@kgun9.com or by connecting on Instagram, Twitter or LinkedIn.
