Bobcat Shot Saturday Tests Negative For Rabies; Officials Stand By Decision

“It could have been a very dangerous situation.”

Texas Parks and Wildlife game warden Ray Spears said Saturday’s decision to put down a bobcat that had wandered into the backyard of a central El Paso family was the right choice.

Not just because the wild animal could have attacked area residents, but because it was displaying signs that it could have harbored a dangerous disease such as rabies.

“This one was displaying behavior that we didn’t feel was right and it led us to believe that it could be sick, it could be diseased, and for public safety we had to do what we did,” Spears said.

But many residents were wondering why animal services didn’t tranquilize the animal instead of shooting it.

“We couldn’t tranquilize it because the gun we were trying to get a hold of from the state vet, we couldn’t get a hold of the state vet, so he wasn’t available,” said Spears.

Animal services officials released the results of the rabies test were negative, but that he feels they still made the right decision.

“People have to understand that you have to err on the side of caution you have to be careful in dealing with these types of wildlife because they can be dangerous,” said Spears.

And he said ultimately the safety of the public comes first.