Bobcat Gravely Injured by Steel-Jawed Trap Prohibited by State Law
HEMET (CNS) - A bobcat found caught in a steel-jawed trap near Hemet was irreparably injured and later euthanized, prompting authorities today to remind the public that setting such traps is illegal in Riverside County and statewide.
"Jaw traps snap with such force, it will break bones in smaller animals, and it caught the toes of (this) bobcat,'' Department of Animal Services Commander Josh Sisler said. "Permanent damage cannot be repaired and ultimately affects the life of the animal.''
According to officials, animal control officers discovered the adult male bobcat on Sept. 28 near California Street, dragging the trap with one of its front paws.
The officers tranquilized the creature and dislodged his paw from the trap, then transported the animal to Project Wildlife in San Diego for