'Aggressive bobcat' attacks 3-year-old, teen in Oglethorpe County
3-year-old girl bit by bobcat
A 2-year-old was released from the hospital Monday afternoon after a bobcat attacked her and a teenager. Oglethorpe County’s EMS director says the animal attacked both of them Friday evening, about a quarter of mile apart at two different homes, presumably by the same bobcat.
OGLETHORPE COUNTY, Ga. - Residents in Oglethorpe County should be on the lookout for an "aggressive bobcat."
According to Oglethorpe County Fire & Rescue, an aggressive bobcat attacked juveniles on two different properties, about a quarter-mile apart, in the area of Melton Road and Williams McCurley Road in Winterville. Officials believe it was the same bobcat in both instances.
Family pets help save 3-year-old from ‘aggressive bobcat’
One family says they believe their pets helped save a toddler's life.
FILE PHOTO (Photo by Soeren Stache/picture alliance via Getty Images)
Mae Scoggins says she was so startled to see a bobcat attacking her 3-year-old niece, Crystal Yamasato.
She says it happened right before her eyes in the family's front yard where Crystal and others were playing at around 6:30 p.m. Friday.
"It came from that direction and ran out. It jumped on her pretty much. My thought was that it had rabies because it was daylight outside, and they don't do that," the victim's aunt recalled.
Witnesses say the bobcat bit the toddler and dragged her under a car.
"She had a bunch of scratches all over her arms. She had two holes right here where it bit her, which it caused a fracture in her finger, and she had a pretty decent sized hole in her back," Scoggins said.
That’s when the family dogs, Kota and Bailey, jumped in to defend little Crystal, who had multiple bite marks on her back, arms and hands.
"The dogs were a big part of saving her life, I think. Bailey stepped in front of her and the bobcat. Kota is the one who tried to bite at it," the victim’s aunt recalled.
Second child injured by bobcat in Oglethorpe County
The Oglethorpe County EMS director says another child, approximately 14 years old, was attacked by the same bobcat right before Crystal’s encounter.
The teen’s parents rushed him to the hospital.
"Oglethorpe is a rural county. Any animal that is native to Georgia, there is a possibility that it lives here. But in my 27-year career, I have never known a bobcat attack," Oglethorpe County’s EMS director revealed.
Both children suffered non-life-threatening injuries, but the bobcat is still roaming somewhere.
What do you do if you see an aggressive bobcat?
Bobcats, named for their stubby tails, are about twice as big as the average house cat, but less likely to seek out humans for aggression, according to the U.S. Humane Society.
Like most cats, they are nocturnal, but it is not unusual to see one during the day, especially during April and July when they are rearing their young.
If a bobcat is not scared of humans, or boldly approaches someone, animal experts say it is likely been acclimated to humans, usually through intentional feeding. Bobcats typically should be afraid of humans.
The Humane Society says the best way to scare off a bobcat is to make a loud noise, such as yelling, blowing a whistle, or banging metal pots.
Raising your arms to appear bigger is also supposed to help.
Using a water hose or a squirt gun is effective, especially when aiming towards the bobcat’s hindquarters.
Throwing something towards them, like a tennis ball, usually helps to chase away a typical bobcat.
If the bobcat persists in its aggression, make sure to put as many obstacles in its way as you try to make it indoors.
How to prevent bobcats from coming onto your property
The U.S. Humane Society suggests several strategies to keep bobcats away, especially if you believe there’s a den on the property.
- Make sure the area is well lit
- Use a radio tuned to a 24-hour talk station
- Place apple cider vinegar-soaked rags around the area
- Do not use moth balls, ammonia, or any other chemical which may be harmful to humans and other animals
Can you get rabies from a bobcat?
Bobcats are susceptible to rabies, like all animals. However, they are more likely to carry bartonella, also known as cat-scratch fever, and toxoplasmosis, like most cats.
Transmission to humans for all of those is rare.
Do not feed, pet, or handle the animal’s feces.
The fire department is advising residents to be mindful of their surroundings and keep a close eye on their children when they are outside.
The Department of Natural Resources and Department of Public Health, as well as the Oglethorpe County Sheriff's Office and Oglethorpe County EMS, have all been notified.
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