Health officials warn of rabid bobcat spotted in north Georgia

BANKS COUNTY, Ga. — Georgia District Two Public Health warned residents in Banks County of a rabid bobcat found in the area this week.

According to health officials, on April 8, a rabid bobcat was found and tested positive for rabies in the area of Mountain Creek Drive in Maysville.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Officials did not specify how the bobcat was found and how it was captured.

Since the bobcat sighting, residents have been advised to maintain current rabies vaccinations for pets and to keep them away from wild animals to protect them from the disease.

TRENDING STORIES:

• Woman arrested after husband found beaten; claimed she was ‘tired of taking care of him’
• A GA man walked into Walmart ‘aggressively waving’ gun at customers. He could spend 10 years in jail
• Georgia man drowns while doing yard work, sheriff says

Health officials added that in addition to staying up to date with shots, humans should leave wild animals alone and not try to capture or feed stray cats.

“People should always avoid contact with unfamiliar dogs, cats and wild animals. This includes feeding or attempting to help an animal that appears injured,” District Two leaders said in a statement. “If you feed your pets outside, pick up any uneaten food so wild animals, including feral cats, will not be attracted to your property. Feral cats are born in the wild and should be treated as wild animals.”

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]

Rabies is a viral infection transmitted in the saliva of infected mammals, and it is almost always fatal.

If you see a wild animal acting strangely, avoid the animal and contact the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Ranger Hotline at 1-800-241-4113.

IN OTHER NEWS:

2023 World House Interfaith and Interdenominational Assembly

©2022 Cox Media Group