Chatham County resident treated for rabies after contact with bobcat

A Chatham County resident is being treated for rabies after having contact with a bobcat on Friday.

The exposure occurred east of N.C. Highway 751 and north of U.S. Highway 64, according to Holly Coleman, Chatham County public health director.

The bobcat was killed and sent to the State Laboratory of Public Health, where it tested positive for rabies.

"Healthy bobcats normally do not approach humans. Residents are encouraged to use caution around wildlife and to keep their pets vaccinated against rabies," Coleman said.

A rabies vaccination clinic for dogs and cats will be held Nov. 7 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Animal Shelter on County Landfill Road, west of Pittsboro.

Cats should be taken to the clinic in boxes or crates and dogs on leashes.