A bobcat found caught in a steel-jawed trap near Hemet was irreparably injured and later euthanized, prompting authorities Thursday to remind the public that setting such traps is illegal in Riverside County and statewide.
“Jaw traps snap with such force, it will break bones in smaller animals, and it caught the toes of (this) bobcat,” Department of Animal Services Commander Josh Sisler said. “Permanent damage cannot be repaired and ultimately affects the life of the animal.”
According to officials, animal control officers discovered the adult male bobcat on Sept. 28 near California Street, dragging the trap with one of its front paws.
The officers tranquilized the creature and dislodged his paw from the trap, then transported the animal to Project Wildlife in San Diego for evaluation by veterinary staff, who confirmed the paw was destroyed. The bobcat was humanely euthanized, according to the Department of Animal Services.
The agency said that while the California Department of Fish & Wildlife issues permits for trappers to snare wild animals committing depredations on public and private property, steel-jawed variety traps are illegal to use.
Setting them “could result in fines and other penalties,” according to an agency statement.