Bobcat Euthanized After Attacking, Injuring Golfer On Course

SPRAGUE, CT - A bobcat attacked a golfer Thursday morning at the Pautipaug golf course, according to state police. 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 said at 8 a.m. a bobcat attacked a horse in Baltic. Subsequently, at about 8:30 a.m. a bobcat attacked a golfer at the Mohegan Sun Golf Course in Baltic. Another member of the golfer’s team was able to drive the bobcat off.

The golfer was transported to Backus Hospital for treatment of lacerations. His condition is unknown. The horse received lacerations to the neck and eye and is currently being treated by a veterinarian for its injuries.

"Bobcats are shy secretive animals; attacks on humans are extremely rare. The last reported incident was in Bozrah in late August, 2014. That animal was found to test positive for rabies," State officials said in a news release.

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

The DEEP said on its website that bobcat numbers are growing in the state: "Based on observation reports submitted to the Wildlife Division by the public and others, bobcat numbers appear to have increased in Connecticut in recent years. Sighting and vehicle-kill reports indicate that bobcats now reside in all eight Connecticut counties. However, the heaviest concentrations occur in the northwestern corner of the state."