Rabid Mountain Lion Attacks Boy, 10, in AZ

[Singletrack Angel]

http://www.kpho.com/news/15557876/detail.html

PHOENIX -- A rabid mountain lion like the one pictured attacked a 10-year-old boy north of Phoenix on Saturday, before being shot to death by a family member, said Randy Babb of the Arizona Department Game and Fish.

"The family was riding all-terrain vehicles, took a break and while relaxing, an adult female mountain lion attacked the boy," Babb said.

The boy was lucky to have suffered only minor scratches to his back, Babb said.

The incident occurred in the Tonto National Forest in an area called Sheep Bridge in the extreme southeast corner of Yavapai County.

The region is on the back side of the Mazatzal Mountains, a rugged mix of desert chaparral and pinyon-juniper vegetation, according to Tom Cadden, public information officer for the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

"One of the adults shot the animal and transported it back to their residence," Babb said.

The mountain lion was then submitted to the Arizona State Health Laboratory for testing.

The boy and several others who may have been exposed to the cat will undergo preventative rabies treatment over the next few weeks, Babb said.

"Very seldom ever to see large mammals with rabies," according to Babb. "They're more common in bats, skunks and gray foxes. We're not expecting to see any more animals this large with rabies."

Babb stressed the attack was mostly likely an isolated incident.

So far this year, 14 animals have tested positive for rabies at the ADHS State Health Laboratory, including two others in the last week -- a coatimundi from the Oracle area and a rabid fox from the Clifton area. There were no human exposures in those cases, but three dogs were exposed to the rabid fox.

At least 27 pets have been exposed to rabid animals this year, according to Game & Fish officials.

"It is imperative for pet owners to immunize their animals against rabies and to ensure that these vaccinations are kept up to date," said State Public Health Veterinarian Dr. Elisabeth Lawaczeck.

[CalEpic]

I heard about this on the Phoenix TV station this morning. They were reporting the lion had the kids head in it's mouth when it was shot by the uncle. The kid is lucky to be alive.

C

[bighit8]

So sad the Human population is the cuase of this for the most part!IMHO

[dstepper]

Kid maybe alive because uncle had a gun. That maybe would not have been the case in California because our restrictive gun laws. Prescott is in Yavapai County and it is common to see people on horse back, ATVs and Motos armed.

Dean

[CalEpic]

I often see people walking down the street in AZ with a firearm in a holster.

The bad guys don't mess with someone that's packing heat.

[sdyeti]

Wondering what the circumstances were...was the kid off by himself??

[Pain Freak]

We are being told over and over again that this will continue to happen, but because of mismanagement of our wildlife people will continue to be attacked and killed.

[CalEpic]

I would assume rabid animals can behave quite differently than they normally would. The news reported that the cat wandered into their camp acting strangely before attacking.

C

[dirtvert]

Originally Posted by dstepper

Kid maybe alive because uncle had a gun. That maybe would not have been the case in California because our restrictive gun laws. Prescott is in Yavapai County and it is common to see people on horse back, ATVs and Motos armed.

Dean

drunks on atv's with guns. that makes me feel real safe...i'll take my chances solo with my multi-tool.

[Wrecker]

Rabies:
The first sign usually is a change in behavior. Pet owners should be aware that behavioral changes can occur as a result of many conditions, from digestive disorders to poisoning.
Rabid animals usually stop eating and drinking, and may appear to want to be left alone. After the initial onset of symptoms, the animal may become vicious or begin to show signs of paralysis. Some rabid animals bite at the slightest provocation and others may be somnolent and difficult to arouse. Once the animal shows signs of paralysis, the disease progresses very quickly and the animal dies. (From: http://www.animalhealthchannel.com/r...symptoms.shtml)

Don't you remember Old Yeller?!?!? This isn't just a mtn lion attacking, it's a virus that's affected her.

The second phase of rabies includes: Craving to eat anything, including inedible objects; No fear of natural enemies (e.g., wild animals may not be afraid of people); Erratic behavior; Episodes of aggression

[Singletrack Angel]

Originally Posted by Wrecker

The second phase of rabies includes: Craving to eat anything, including inedible objects; No fear of natural enemies (e.g., wild animals may not be afraid of people); Erratic behavior; Episodes of aggression

Sounds like Vampire-kitty!

[Wrecker]

Sometimes I have a craving to eat anything, including inedible objects. As for erratic behavior, well, have you seen me ride? Maybe a little aggression, too.

I think I may have cycling induced rabies!?!?!?

Good thing I still have a healthy fear of natural enemies (rocks), or I'd really be concerned

[dstepper]

Originally Posted by dirtvert

drunks on atv's with guns. that makes me feel real safe...i'll take my chances solo with my multi-tool.

Why did you put drunk into my statement? My guess is that you spend little to no time in Arizona.

Dean

[DISCO]

I am fond of Jeff Foxworthy's thoughts on owning a gun. He talks about how you see a house with a nice picket fence, manicured lawn, and a flower bed a thief sees an easy target.

You come down to a double wide with a mangy dog tied to a clothesline and a motor swinging from a tree you know that is a house where a gun lives.

Although I live in a nice place I enjoy the right to own a gun to enforce keeping it that way.

[dirtvert]

Originally Posted by dstepper

Why did you put drunk into my statement? My guess is that you spend little to no time in Arizona.

Dean

i lived in tucson for three months (my wife's from there) and i've vacationed all over the state. i put drunk into my statement based on personal, multiple observations. i was trying to be kind by not including horse riders and motos...

[DownHillPhil]

Tucson is not the nicest place =/