New London Golfer Speaks About Bobcat Attack

NEW LONDON, CT - A city man who was attacked by a rabid bobcat last week described the incident as "surreal" to The New London Day. Mike Popkowski, 70, said he was playing golf with friends at the Mohegan Sun Golf Course in Sprague Thursday when the bobcat jumped on his back at the seventh hole.

A friend warned him about the bobcat before it attacked and the two tumbled down a hill.

Popkowski was hospitalized for numerous injuries, including wounds on his left arm and shoulder and lacerations on his earlobe and scalp, according to The Day.

Police said that the same bobcat likely attacked a horse as well.

"We believe the bobcat to be the same animal and maybe rabid," police said in a social media post.

DEEP Environmental Conservation (EnCon) Police were called to the scene and tracked and humanely euthanized the animal nearby, state officials said. The bobcat was transported to UConn Medical Lab for testing for rabies. DEEP believes this bobcat is the one involved in both attacks this morning.

State officials emphasized that these kinds of attacks are rare. Bobcats are common in Connecticut and found in most towns throughout the state. They are secretive, solitary and seldom observed, tending to hunt and travel in areas of thick cover.

Compared to many wildlife species, bobcats rarely cause conflicts with human activities and rarely contract rabies. DEEP recommends that if you encounter a bobcat, you should keep your distance, make noise and back away from the animal. For more information visit: www.ct.gov/deep/bobcatfacts