A homeowner in Pine, Arizona, shot dead a rabid bobcat after it mauled the family dog and charged at his wife in their back garden.
The incident happened on 29 August near Old County Road in the Gila County community. Wildlife officials later confirmed that the animal tested positive for rabies.
The homeowner said he and his wife went outside after hearing a commotion and found their dog badly injured. The bobcat remained in the garden and began moving aggressively towards his wife.
She retreated indoors while the homeowner retrieved a firearm and shot the animal. He then contacted the Arizona Game and Fish Department, which recovered the carcass and arranged for testing.
Alexandra Flickinger, a spokesperson for the department, confirmed that the results were positive for rabies.
Arizona Game and Fish officials say bobcats rarely attack people, but unusual or aggressive behaviour can be a sign of infection. Residents are advised to avoid sick or erratic wildlife, keep pets vaccinated and report dangerous animals to local authorities.
The department says anyone bitten or scratched by a bobcat should seek immediate medical attention.
