Wildlife Safety & First Aid
Select an animal for encounter & bite guidance
Emergency Services
Life-threatening injuries or attacks
Texas Parks & Wildlife
Report aggressive or dangerous wildlife
Poison Control
Bite & sting medical guidance
If You Encounter a Bobcat
Stay Calm & Don't Run
Running triggers a chase instinct. Stand your ground and face the bobcat.
Make Yourself Big
Raise your arms, open your jacket, and pick up small children or pets slowly.
Make Noise
Yell firmly, clap, and bang objects together. Bobcats usually avoid loud humans.
Back Away Slowly
Maintain eye contact and retreat step by step. Never turn your back.
If Bitten or Injured — First Aid
Move to safety — get away from the animal and find shelter.
Call 911 immediately if the injury is severe or bleeding heavily.
Apply firm, direct pressure with a clean cloth to stop bleeding.
Rinse the wound gently with clean running water to remove debris.
Do NOT stitch the wound closed — animal bites are left open to prevent infection.
Keep the injured area elevated above your heart if possible.
Seek medical care within 24 hours — bobcat bites carry rabies and infection risk.
Rabies Risk
Bobcats can carry rabies. If bitten, report the incident to health authorities and discuss post-exposure rabies treatment with a doctor — even if the wound looks minor. Treatment is most effective when started promptly.
Medical disclaimer: The first-aid and safety information on this page is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. In a wildlife emergency, always call 911 or seek immediate medical attention.