Texas Border Business
McAllen City Manager, Mr. Roel Rodriguez, reported that Texas Parks and Wildlife Game Warden, Roel Cantu assisted City of McAllen in euthanizing a large bobcat located in a McAllen neighborhood on Saturday, June 10, 2023.
A large bobcat was spotted in a central McAllen neighborhood during the week. Efforts to capture the bobcat became futile as the animal continued to escape amid animal control officer efforts.
Saturday a resident reported the large bobcat in his tree after birds began to suddenly fly and flutter away. It was then that the resident noticed the large cat perched high in the tree.
Texas Game Warden Cantu stated that an animal of that size had to be euthanized since it posed a danger to the surrounding residence and their pets. Other factors included the possibility of rabies, and other diseases being carried by the large cat. Attempts to lure the cat into a trap were unsuccessful.
Upon inspection, the bobcat was unhealthy, severely malnourished, and had been declawed. The animal may have been a pet who someone released due to the inability to feed it.
Bobcats are not legal as pets without an Exotic Pet Permit (only provided to educators, zoos, research, animal sanctuaries, etc.) in most states. Recently, many states are joining the ranks of outlawing everything feline except domesticated cats. Texas law requires an Exotic Pet Permit from the city or county animal control department.
If your county does not have a department, you can get a permit from the county sheriff. You generally need to show that you can safely care for and contain the animal.
