Wildlife group suggests rat poison cause of sick bobcats

In Santa Cruz County, there is a growing issue with sick bobcats. They are being found with a potentially deadly skin condition experts say could be human caused.

The director of Wildlife Emergency Services says these bobcats are often exposed to anticoagulant rodenticides, or rat poison.

In the last week, at least two bobcats have been found with mange disease. The disease affects their skin causing hair loss. Without hair, bobcats can get too cold and die from exposure.

WES Director Rebecca Dmytryk says rat poison can hurt the bobcat’s immune system.

“Due to what research has proven has been exposure to poison,” she said. “So rat poison, any kind of rat poison that has anticoagulants in it. It could be for ground squirrels, gophers, mice, rats. And it’s still readily available.”

But it is not just bobcats. Predators like coyotes, owls and hawks are also at risk if they consume prey that has eaten poison bait. Even dogs and cats are at risk.

Bobcats, however, are being hit especially hard in Santa Cruz County.

“Since we’ve been recording this for the past 4-5 years, we’ve seen over 40. That’s a lot,” said Dmytryk.

WES usually sees an uptick in the summer and fall. This past week, one bobcat was spotted at Wilde Ranch Park. Another at UC Santa Cruz.

“If people see the bobcats that look sick or let’s say they’re acting kind of quiet, you want to report that to us, to Wildlife Emergency Services,” said Dmytryk. “Then if possible, take a quick picture so I can see if they’re sick.”

Dmytryk encourages residents not to use rat poison, saying there are alternatives. She is campaigning to get them banned.

“I’m absolutely heartbroken. I’m sick of picking up sick and dying bobcats. I’m done. This has got to stop,” she said.

WES says “the public is encouraged to report sick and/or dead bobcats to rescue@wildlifeservices.org. Photographs and GPS coordinates are helpful. REPORT SIGHTINGS TO 831-498-9453 or use the iPhone App WildHelp.”