[at-l] Rabies & hiking

[bluetrail at aol.com (bluetrail@aol.com)]

Just read in the local paper that there have been 16 reports of attacks on humans and pets by rabid animals (raccoons, possum, bobcat, otter) in my very small county since January 1.  According to the newspaper, 16 is an unusally high number of attacks.  About two years ago a rabid bobcat seriously attacked a first-time solo hiker in my county; the same bobcat also attacked the ranger who came to assist the hiker and the ranger's vehicle.
 
I often take short hikes alone after work (7 trailheads within 20 minutes of my house), and I plan to continue to take those late day hikes.  I do NOT want to hike with a gun, nor am I trained to use one.  I know to avoid animals with suspicious behavior, but what in the world should one do if something like a bobcat attacks you?  I'm guessing I'd use my hiking poles to try to beat it away.  Any other suggestions?  It's enough to make me carry a cell phone.
 
Joan
bluetrail@aol.com