When the big show is over in Quartzsite, AZ, what will visitors do? Some jump in their RVs and tour other parts of Arizona, including its national parks. But events unfolding in Saguaro National Park suggest caution is in order for folks headed that way. Weird animal behavior and some wildlife deaths indicate something serious is afoot.
Bobcat’s weird animal behavior leads to ER visit
Last Sunday, January 21, a visitor in the park’s Rincon Mountain District had an unwanted close encounter with a bobcat. Normally shy and retiring animals, this bobcat wasn’t any of that. The man was attacked, the overgrown cat biting and scratching him. The visitor was later treated and released from an emergency room. Rangers say that’s not the only strange behavior noted in recent weeks—some foxes and raccoons have been acting out of sorts, and some have died.
Area could be rabies “hot zone”
If you said, “Sounds like rabies,” you’re right. Rabies is suspected in these cases, and park staff are emphasizing the usual wisdom: “Observe all wildlife from a safe and respectful distance and never pick up or handle a wild animal.” Rabies is “suspected,” as none of the weird-acting animals have been tested for the disease.
Saguaro National Park isn’t the only “hot zone” for the possibility of rabies. Since November, state wildlife officials have recorded other incidents of weird-acting animals. However, the level of interest goes beyond the park. In the Tucson area, two bobcats, a fox, and a skunk have bitten or scratched people. These occurred in four separate cases since November 27.
Rabies can be found in many parts of the country. If you’re traveling, it’s wise to have your pets up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations. Rabies is typically 100% fatal without treatment.
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Thanks for this great report and the heads up on potential increase of encountering wildlife infected with rabies in the desert SW. A warning for an increase in personal diligence that I will be adhering to.
Thank you, Russ and Tina! In the inimitable words of Michael Conrad as Phil Esterhaus, “Let’s be careful out there.” https://youtu.be/T2QApwtE8zQ?feature=shared . 🙂
Great heads up. You could describe me as being anally retentive I am dreadfully allergic to eggs, I never eat eggs can’t have flu or pneumavast shots. I was bit by the feral cat (ironically as I was trying to haul it to the vet, as it had been mauled by something during the night). immediately researched rabies & discovered all 3 contain egg protein, altho 1 has much lower levels than the other 2. I gave the county health department a head up, & when I arrived, they were flabbergasted I had done all this research & notified them ahead of time. my health insurance sent word the rabies shot wouldn’t be covered-unnecessary
Also, while in the Southwest beware of the chupacabra.