Bobcat bites Santa Claus

LINWOOD, N.J., Dec. 10 (UPI) -- A Santa Claus posing with pets at a New Jersey Petsmart store says a bobcat brought in by a woman scratched and bit his hand and arm.

Jonathan Bebbington, who was dressed as Santa for the "Santa Paws" charity event in Hamilton Township, said the cat bit him several times during his 5-minute struggle with it, WMGM-TV in Linwood, N.J., reported Wednesday.

The feline's owner, who told volunteers her pet had been shipped from Wyoming for $1,500, left with the bobcat after the incident without giving her name. Bebbington said he will have to undergo a series of rabies shots if the owner is not found.

Bobcat ownership is illegal in the state of New Jersey, WMGM said.