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Bobcat That Was Killing Pets In El Dorado County Euthanized

PLACERVILLE, Calif. (CBS/AP) - State wildlife officials have euthanized a wild bobcat after it attacked three pet cats in a rural area of Northern California.

The man who trapped the cat said two of the pet cats were killed and one was maimed after being snatched out of yards in the Georgetown area of El Dorado County. The pets began disappearing last week.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife says officials tracked and trapped the 40-pound bobcat on Sunday. Locals believe it had been living near a vacant lot on the outskirts of Eldorado National Forest.

The bobcat was euthanized on Monday. Department spokeswoman Janice Mackey says that wild cats found to be endangering humans and their property are euthanized in accordance with California law.

Mackey suggests homeowners in rural areas keep an eye on their small pets.

(TM and © Copyright 2010 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2010 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or Redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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