Two recent attacks by bobcats at Death Valley National Park were likely spurred by poor food handling practices, according to rangers. Photo by ucumari via Flickr.
Two recent bobcat attacks at Death Valley National Park likely were spurred by poor food handling at the Furnace Creek Inn, according to park officials.
In the first incident, on December 17th, a 64-year-old woman suffered scratches and bites on her hands, face, and scalp. Terry Baldino, the park's public information officer, says the woman and three others had been swimming in the inn's pool shortly before the attack.
"They had gotten out and were just chatting. They saw the cat, thought it was a domestic cat, and called it over," Ranger Baldino said today.
Just when they realized the bobcat was not a domestic cat it jumped on the woman, he added.
While the four told rangers they didn't have food, others who talked to rangers said the four did have food and were trying to entice the bobcat with it, said Ranger Baldino.
In the second incident, on December 21st, a male employee of the inn had reportedly been smoking outside the building when the bobcat attacked him, inflicting bites and lacerations to his head and neck.
Ranger Baldino confirmed that prior to that attack a group of men had treed a bobcat and sprayed it with mace in a bid to convince it to avoid humans. Whether that animal was involved in either attack is unknown, he added.
The ranger did say investigations of the two incidents provided "good evidence" that the bobcats were lured to the inn either by poor handling of trash "or even employees feeding the wildlife."
It's not known how many bobcats call Death Valley home, and park officials aren't exactly sure why they've been so visible of late.
“This year there have been more sightings of bobcats than in many, many years," said Ranger Baldino.
One theory is that the heavy rains of 2004 and 2005 produced lush vegetation that led to a boom in the rabbit and small game population, and that in turn led to a boom in the area's bobcat numbers.
“Now there’s perhaps an overabundance of bobcats and in their search for finding food they’re stumbling into areas where people out,” said the ranger.
In light of the attacks, rangers are making even more efforts to convince visitors and park workers not to feed wildlife.
Story Categories:
A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.
Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:
- Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
- Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
- Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
- North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
- Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
- Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
- Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.
National parks and their natural resources belong to you. The National Parks Traveler works to ensure you know how these essential places are being cared for.
Sign Up For Our Weekly Newsletter
Unsubscribe at any time.
INN Member
The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.
Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.
Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.
You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.
Comments
You hear it all the time: "Don't feed wild animals!". They tend to come back again and again. Free food is an enticement for them. Also, with the advancement of new communities and new properties being built, there's less and less land for wildlife to live in. It's a shame that humans have become such greedy land-grabbers. We need more protected land for our country's wildlife.