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66-year-old attacked by bobcat at Saguaro National Park

Saguaro National Park said dead foxes and reports of abnormal animal behavior have staff concerned that rabies may be a possible cause.

TUCSON, Ariz. — Arizona Game and Fish officials are investigating a possible bobcat attack reported Sunday at Saguaro National Park East.

A 66-year-old visitor of the southern Arizona park was bitten and scratched by a bobcat along Cactus Forest Drive. The injured individual was treated at an emergency room and released, the Game and Fish Department said.

Wildlife officials suspect rabies may have caused the animal to attack and the bobcat is still at large. 

Staff of the park have recently found several dead foxes and have gotten reports of abnormal animal behavior.

No carcasses have been recovered yet for testing to determine how the animals died, the National Park Service said.

Visitors of the park are encouraged to avoid contact with animals that appear to be aggressive or disoriented. 

Bobcats are known for being elusive and tend to avoid interactions with humans. Game and Fish said attacks on humans are rare and most often involve rabies.

   

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