In East Orlando, Florida, a dog owner from Florida punched a bobcat in the mouth to save his daughter’s dog from an attack. Paul Broadhurst had been walking Koda on Saturday morning in their Stoneybrook neighborhood when suddenly the bobcat attacked.
According to Fox News, Koda, a bull terrier and Broadhurst, had been walking along the sidewalk when the bobcat was over the top of the dog. Broadhurst jumped into action, and punched the wild animal in the mouth which made the bobcat release his hold on the dog. The moment the bobcat hit the ground, it took off running.
Broadhurst suffered some deep claw scratches, but it was more luck he said than brawn.
The neighborhood abuts next to a conservation area, and incidents like this have been happening more often because of the proximity next to areas where wild animals have continually been losing their natural habitats because of development.
According to Frank Robb, with EEARSS, an environmental and education awareness organization, the bobcat could have been hungry, could have been accustomed to people feeding him or could have even been rabid.
So how do people avoid similar encounters and dangers? Robb suggests people carry something between them to put between you and the animal if you see something that doesn’t move or turn away and presents a danger to you, a child or your pet. A big walking stick might just be a practical choice.
Florida Fish and Wildlife have taken a report, and it is hoped they will be able to trap this bobcat and relocate him to a safer area – both for himself and for the community.
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