The Arizona Game and Fish Department reports that a bobcat was found hanging from a tree on Tucson's east side, with an illegal leg hold trap.
It happened on Wednesday March 8th near Colossal Cave Road and Mary Ann Cleveland Way, where it or a similar bobcat had been seen alive days before the dead feline was discovered.
“In addition, hanging the bobcat from the tree was an ugly spectacle in public view that was especially cruel if the bobcat was still alive when placed there. We urge anyone who saw or heard something to contact us," said Raul Vega of the Arizona Game and Fish department in an agency news release.
The department says poachers are criminals, and it is offering up to $500 for information leading to an arrest in connection with this case.
"Those with information about the case are urged to contact the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Operation Game Thief Hotline at 800-352-0700 and reference OGT#23-000455 when calling, anonymously if need be," the release also states.
In an unrelated incident, San Manuel resident Nikola Zovko came home and discovered a bobcat lounging on a dog bed inside the house.
The cat is believed to have entered the home by using a doggie door, but officials believe it attacked one of Zovko's pets.
The dog, Squeakers, returned home the next day and required over $3,000 dollars worth of surgery and medical treatment, but it's expected to recover.
Experts say bobcats are relatively common in Arizona and other states, and usually try to avoid human contact although some have adapted to suburban living.
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