The Arizona Game and Fish Department is warning area residents about a potentially rabid bobcat that’s at large after it bit and clawed a person near the Atherton Acres community in the foothills of the Hualapai mountains southeast of Kingman.

The victim and a friend were approached by the bobcat yesterday evening (Aug. 9) while out for a walk. As they backed away, the bobcat clawed the victim’s lower leg and bit her other lower leg. The victim self transported to the Kingman Regional Medical Center for treatment.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department is actively searching for the bobcat. Bobcat attacks are not common, but when they do occur, rabies is often involved.

Here are some tips on precautions people can take to avoid exposure to rabies:

Enjoy wildlife from a distance and keep your pets away from them.
Do not pick up, touch, or feed wild or unfamiliar animals, especially sick or wounded ones.
Vaccinate all dogs and cats against rabies.
If you have been bitten or scratched, or had contact with an animal, wash the wound or area well with soap and water, and report it immediately to animal control and health officials.

Any wild animal exhibiting unusual, erratic, or aggressive behavior should be reported to the Arizona Game and Fish Department at 623-236-7201. If you or your pet is bitten, seek immediate medical or veterinary attention and contact your county public health department.