Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) today announced that the bobcat in yesterday’s incident tested positive for rabies.

DEEP wildlife officials said that various strains of rabies are always present among mammals in the wild.  The virus is carried by species such as raccoons, skunks, bats, and others.  The presence of rabies among wild animals is at typical, low levels at this time. 

See this chart from the Connecticut Department of Public Health, which contains the latest information available on confirmed cases of rabies in Connecticut.

Anyone who observes an animal exhibiting what they believe to be abnormal behavior to contact their local police department or animal control officer.

Background on Bobcat incident – Tuesday, January 17

Three women were taken to an area medical facility for treatment after a bobcat jumped on one of them in a greenhouse on Waterhole Rd., Colchester.

The greenhouse is on the property of The Caring Community, a social service provider of residential and day programs. 

The women were injured by the bobcat while in a greenhouse for a program that takes place there.  When the bobcat jumped on one woman, the other two were scratched while coming to her assistance.

The three were taken to the Marlborough Medical Center for evaluation and treatment.

Local law enforcement authorities and Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Environmental Conservation (EnCon) Police responded to the scene shortly before noon.  They were able to shoot and kill the bobcat.  The bobcat was taken to the state Department of Health lab to test it for rabies.

DEEP Wildlife authorities say it is rare for bobcats to pounce upon or be aggressive towards humans – and most often rabies is the cause of that action.