Bobcat Scratches Child In Backyard Encounter: Fairfield Police

FAIRFIELD, CT — A child suffered a minor injury after encountering a bobcat in his Fairfield yard, according to police.

A man reported to law enforcement about 7:30 a.m. Monday that his 12-year-old son was in the backyard of their home near Brett Road in Greenfield Hill when the boy saw a bobcat and suffered a minor scratch to the finger, police said in a Facebook post. The animal also tore the boy's sweatshirt before running off into the woods.

Fairfield Animal Control asked that Connecticut State Environmental Conservation Police follow up on the incident, and the state agency confirmed the attack was likely a bobcat.

"This is very uncommon behavior for that type of cat," Fairfield police Capt. Robert Kalamaras said.

It is mating season for bobcats, Kalamaras said in an email, and the attack may have been the result of a territorial issue or unexpected encounter. Animal control obtained a video of a bobcat that frequents the area, which was recorded by a neighbor a week before the incident.

Fairfield residents, especially those who live on the north end of town where there are more wooded areas, should keep an eye out for bobcats and closely watch small children and pets that play outside, according to Kalamaras.

Anyone who sees a bobcat presenting unusual behavior should call police immediately, Kalamaras said in the email.