Bobcal in the Sunrise canal (Sarasota, Port Charlotte: home, transfer, law)

[MikeM8560]

My neighbor sent mensomenpics of a bbcat across the canal. Then it swan across the canal and climbed out on the seawall

[the searchers]

Originally Posted by MikeM8560

My neighbor sent mensomenpics of a bbcat across the canal. Then it swan across the canal and climbed out on the seawall

Nice, thanks for posting them.

I enjoy wildlife pictures.

[lobobuzz]

Wow, that is awesome!

[Seafood Junky]

Perched on oyster shells...OUCH!

[kyjake39]

There are bobcats all over Port Charlotte,they seem very comfortable around humans.I will be more cautious of them after the one in North Port had rabies.

[the searchers]

Originally Posted by kyjake39

There are bobcats all over Port Charlotte,they seem very comfortable around humans.I will be more cautious of them after the one in North Port had rabies.

Venice, FL -
Two bobcat attacks in Venice have prompted the health officials to caution residents about wild animals and rabies.

According to the DOH-Sarasota, they received confirmation of rabies in a bobcat on Friday.

Health officials say two bobcat attacks occurred within four miles of one another in east Venice -- between Venice Avenue and US-41.

FWC says in one instance a wild bobcat entered a home through an open front door. The animal attacked an FWC officer as the officer tried to remove the bobcat from the home.

The officer sustained two scratches on the arm and was prevented a more serious injured thanks to his ballistic vest.

The injured FWC officer received first aid for the scratches at North Port Regional Medical Center, as well as the standard precautionary medical treatment per agency protocol.

Because of the animal’s unusual behavior, the officers humanely put down the bobcat and transferred the remains to the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office Animal Services Division. The bobcat tested positive for rabies on December 30th.

As a result, the individuals involved in the encounter with the animal, including the FWC officer, are undergoing a course of preventative rabies treatment.

A rabies alert is in effect for 60 days for Venice and North Port. All residents, especially in the vicinity of the attacks, should be aware that rabies is present in the wild animal population and domestic animals are at risk if not vaccinated.

Rabies is caused by a virus, which humans and other mammals can get through an animal bite.
In Florida, rabies is usually associated with bites or scratches from raccoons, bats, foxes, and unvaccinated outside cats.
The virus can spread through contact with saliva or nervous tissue of a rabid animal through an open wound, the mouth, nose or eyes.
Rabies is nearly always fatal without proper medical treatment.
The only treatment for human exposure to rabies is rabies specific immune globulin and rabies immunization which should be started soon after the exposure to protect an exposed person from the disease.
People are encouraged not to keep pet food outside, secure all garbage containers, and keep pets under supervision.
Hunters should harvest only healthy appearing game, wear rubber or latex gloves when dressing carcasses, and wash hands afterward.
If a domestic or wild animal bites or scratches you, seek care promptly. Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and running water for five to ten minutes. Immediately visit your primary doctor, hospital or county health department for medical attention.
If your pet is bitten by a wild animal, seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately and contact the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office Animal Services Section at 941-861- 9500.

If you see or are approached by what appears to be an aggressive or ill animal, maintain a safe distance and contact law enforcement immediately by dialing 911 or the sheriff’s office non-emergency line at 941-316- 1201.

To report an animal bite to DOH-Sarasota call 941-861- 6133.

NBC-2 NEWS