Officials with Georgia District Two Public Health are warning residents in Banks County of a rabid bobcat found in the area this week.

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

Officials did not specify how the bobcat was found or 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.

Health officials added that in addition to staying up to date with shots, residents 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.”

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.

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