Bobcat killed by dog after series of attacks in Prescott area

German Shepherd kills rabid bobcat in Prescott

A series of bobcat attacks in Prescott came to an end after a dog killed the wild animal while protecting its owner.

PRESCOTT, Ariz. - A bobcat believed to be responsible for multiple attacks in the Prescott area over the weekend was killed when a person's dog intervened during one of the incidents.

What we know:

The Yavapai County Sheriff's Office says the first incident happened at around 6 p.m. on May 3, when a bobcat attacked a person near Inscription Canyon. The victim suffered significant injuries and was hospitalized.

The next morning, YCSO responded to Greenbrier Drive and Williamson Valley Road, where a woman was attacked by a bobcat. Shortly after, a third attack was reported nearby while a person was walking their dog. YCSO says the owner's German Shepherd intervened, killing the bobcat.

File image of a bobcat (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images)

The dog was injured in the incident and is under the care of a veterinarian. 

What we don't know:

YCSO says a fourth incident involving a bobcat and another dog has since been reported, but no other details are known at this time.

What they're saying:

Officials warn the public to never feed wildlife.

"Because this is extremely rare behavior for bobcats, it is likely the same animal was involved in all four incidents; however, this has not yet been officially confirmed," the sheriff's office said. "The three victims sustained cuts and bites and are receiving hospital treatment. This serves as a serious reminder NEVER TO FEED WILDLIFE."

Dig deeper:

The Arizona Game and Fish Department says the bobcat tested positive for rabies. They advise the public to be vigilant, warning that other wild animals may also be infected.

"Rabies is a preventable viral disease most often transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal," the department said. "Anyone who has been scratched or bitten by wild animals should seek immediate medical treatment, which may include an anti-rabies vaccine, at a local health care facility."

What you can do:

To avoid exposure to rabies, the Arizona Department of Health Services recommends taking the following precautions:

• Keep people and pets away from wild animals.
• Never leave pet food in your yard because it will attract wild animals.
• Do not pick up, touch or feed wild or unfamiliar animals, especially sick or wounded ones.
• If you have been bitten or scratched, or had contact with an animal, wash the area well with soap and water and report it immediately to animal control or health officials.
• Do not "rescue" orphaned wildlife. Leave wildlife alone or call a licensed rehabilitator.
• Vaccinate all dogs and cats against rabies.
• Take precautions when camping, hunting or fishing. Avoid sleeping on the open ground without the protection of a closed tent or camper.
• Keep pets on a leash or in a fenced yard.
• Wear impermeable gloves when skinning carcasses.
• Do not disturb roosting bats.
• If you find a bat on the ground, don’t touch it. Place a box over the bat to contain it. Try to preserve the bat so it is intact for testing at a laboratory. Report the bat and its location to animal control or health officials.

YCSO asks anyone whose pet was attacked last weekend in the Williamson Valley area to seek veterinary treatment for their animal and to contact the Arizona Game and Fish Department at 602-942-3000.