Some partial information from PGC Press Release #083-06 regarding subject.
The Game Commission says Bobcat attack Prompted by Rabies is called "extremely rare'.
Dr. Walter Cottrell, PGC wildlife veterinarian today confirmed that laboratory results conducted on a bobcat killed by an off-duty police officer revealed that the animal was suffering from the effects of rabies when it attacked and bit a bicyclist on a well known cycling trail near Williamsburg, Blair County on July 13.
The bicyclist traveling on the 'Lower Trail' stopped to rest at a park bench along the trail. The bicyclist heard rustling in the weeds and spotted the bobcat, which he first though was a housecat.
"As the animal approached, it sprang at the rider who brought up his arms to fend off the animal receiving a bite in the right arm and several scratches, the rider proceeded to Williamsburg and contacted the PGC and an off-duty police officer. The police officer, was first to arrive at the scene, found the animal still in the area and killed it. As a percaution, the cyclist began a series of rabies post - exposure vaccinations the night he was attacked.
Prior to this case only eight bobcats confirmed to have rabies in Pennsylvania, one each in 1987, 1990, 1992, 1994, 2003, 2004 and 2005.
The last human rabies fatality in PA was a 12 year old Lycoming County boy who died in 1984, after being exposed to the bat strain of the rabies virus.
Further information can be obtained by going to
www.pgc.state.pa.us and checking on PGC Press Release #083-06.
