Couple, Dog Injured In Southbury Bobcat Attack

SOUTHBURY, CT — A man and a woman were injured in a bobcat attack in Southbury, according to WTNH. The bobcat initially attacked a dog Monday night.

The bobcat then followed the dog into the garage where it attacked the dog's female owner. A man entered the garage and pulled the bobcat off his wife, according to WTNH.

The bobcat bit the man's arm and he slammed it into the ground, then beat it with a fireplace log until the animal died.

Southbury police, the animal control officer, and the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection were called to the home where they found the bobcat dead in the driveway, according to WFSB.

The woman suffered injuries to her head and shoulders. The man sustained injuries on his arm. The dog suffered minor injuries and was taken to a veterinarian, WFSB reported.

The couple is receiving rabies treatments.

Bobcats are the only wild cat found in Connecticut, and the most common wild cat in North America, according to a fact sheet by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

The wild cats rarely attack humans, but people are advised to keep their distance from bobcats and make a lot of noise to scare them off.

Southbury Police say the bobcat attack occurred in the Purchase area and the animal did test positive for rabies.

"Though this was a rare and isolated incident, it is important for residents to be aware," police said. "Thankfully, the dog was up to date on her rabies vaccinations and the owners began their rabies vaccination series."

Police said the dog has been placed on a 45-day strict confinement and should make a recovery. If the pet had not had a rabies vaccination, she may have been placed on a six-month quarantine, or even been subject to mandated euthanasia as rabies virus poses a public health and safety issue, police said.

"This serves as a reminder of the importance of vaccinations for pets," police said. "Animal Control asks owners to make certain that all pets, indoor and outdoor, are up to date with their rabies vaccinations. Animal Control would like to remind pet owners to supervise their pets and to be cautious of leaving them unattended while outdoors. While walking outside or hiking, it is recommended to have a second person accompanying you and to carry an air horn."

Some common symptoms of rabies can be unprovoked aggression, difficulty walking, and excess salivation.