Ensnared Bobcat's Tragic End Prompts Stern RivCo Reminder

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — A bobcat is dead after he was found ensnared in an illegal trap near Hemet, in Riverside County, and on Thursday local officials reminded citizens of the cruelty these banned trapping devices pose to wildlife.

The adult male bobcat was discovered on Sept. 28 near California Street in an unincorporated area of Hemet. He was alive, but one of his front paws was stuck in a steel-jawed trap, according to Riverside County Department of Animal Services spokesperson Kerri Mabee.

“Jaw traps snap with such force, it will break bones in smaller animals, and, in this case, it caught the toes of the bobcat," said Josh Sisler, field services commander for Riverside County Department of Animal Services.

RCDAS officers tranquilized the injured bobcat and removed his paw from the inhumane contraption. The wild cat was then transported to Project Wildlife in San Diego County for veterinary treatment.

Unfortunately, the damage to the paw was too severe and the animal was humanely euthanized, Riverside County Department of Animal Services reported.

The trap that ultimately killed him was illegal, the agency confirmed.

According to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, an iron-jawed, steel-jawed or any type of metal-jawed trap cannot be used to take an animal.

Furthermore, on January 1, 2020, a bobcat hunting ban took effect in California. Trapping bobcats for their fur is also illegal in California. Bobcats that are harassing or killing pets and livestock, may be taken by the landowner (or agent) under the authority of a depredation permit issued by CDFW, but trapping is illegal.

"It shall be unlawful to pursue, take or possess any bobcat without first procuring a hunting license and bobcat hunting tags. It shall be unlawful to trap any bobcat, or attempt to do," according to the CDFW.

It's not clear where the bobcat became ensnared. Sisler said it appeared the animal had dragged the trap to the location in unincorporated Hemet where he was found.

Riverside County officials said they notified state authorities at CDFW about the incident.

"Bobcats are a native species in California. They fill an important niche in the ecosystem and contribute to healthy biodiversity throughout the state. Presently, the statewide population is estimated to be between 70,000-100,000 bobcats," according to the CDFW's website.

The wild animals are known to be solitary and elusive. They avoid people and are generally most active at night and during twilight hours, though it is not unusual to see them during daytime, according to the CDFW, which added, "bobcats do not pose a threat to public safety, but may attempt to hunt an outdoor pet or small livestock if those animals are not securely enclosed at night."

Read more about bobcat behavior and state laws protecting the wild animals via CDFW. Read more about California's trapping laws here.

If you have information about the Riverside County incident or any illegal wildlife trapping, contact CDFW's CALTIP at 888-334-2258 or report online at wildlife.ca.gov/Enforcement/CalTIP

Mabee said tips can also be reported to Riverside County animal services officials at shelterinfo@rivco.org.