Alarming number of sick bobcats found in Santa Cruz County

Wildlife Emergency Services (WES) said an alarming number of sick bobcats are being found in Santa Cruz County.

A bobcat suffering from a severe skin condition was spotted at Wilder Ranch State Park.

According to WES, a local photographer captured a photo of the bobcat and they confirmed it has notoedric mange, a skin condition caused by mites.

WES founder, Rebecca Dmytryk said research suggests this condition is also related to a compromised immune system, often seen in bobcats exposed to anticoagulant rodenticides.

“In this case, it’s alarming because of the number of ailing bobcats found in and around Wilder Ranch. Similarly, Elkhorn Slough Reserve has Had an abundance of sick bobcats,” said Dmytryk.

Over the last few years, WES has reported 40 bobcats suffering from mange in Santa Cruz County. Only a few of those bobcats recovered.

WES urges the public to not use things like rat poisons instead find other alternatives to control the rodent population.