Positive rabies test for bobcat that attacked dogs in Barre

BARRE - The bobcat that attacked two large dogs this week was infected with rabies, Animal Control Officer Laura Pease said Thursday.

The animal was sent for testing after it lunged at Barre Police Chief John Carbone, who shot it.

Ms. Pease said that in the dozen years she's served as an animal control officer, she's noticed that bobcats with porcupine quills in their mouths generally test positive for rabies.

The bobcat from Barre had quills in its mouth, she said.

A spokesman for the state Division of Fisheries and Wildlife said the bobcat's behavior was atypical, and the animals usually avoid contact with humans.