Massachusetts Family Attacked by Rabid Bobcat

by
posted on January 10, 2013
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
wilder_ah2015_fs.jpg

Wild animal attacks of varying degrees occasionally happen—when we venture out into nature, we put ourselves at the mercy of it. But it's not often you hear about someone being attacked within the usually friendly confines of their own garage.

Roger Mundell of Brookfield, Mass., had just walked into his garage on Sunday, Jan. 6 when he stumbled upon a 30-pound bobcat, according to NBC News. He later told Reuters that the cat hissed before leaping at him across the garage, immediately launching the 53-year-old into an unexpected fight for his life.

Mundell shook off his attack—though not before sustaining a series of bites and scratches—and sprinted back into his home, slamming the door behind him. He immediately alerted his wife, who raced toward the front of the house, where the couple's 15-year-old nephew was outside.

Before the family could retreat to safety, the bobcat raced out of the garage and continued its assault—this time attacking Mundell's newphew. Mundell launched an attack of his own, ultimately pinning the animal to the ground with a walking crutch. His wife went back inside to retrieve a handgun, which Mundell used to put the finally put the bobcat down.

All three members of the family were taken to the hospital and immediately began preemptive treatment for rabies, which paid off—the cat was confirmed to have been rabid on January 9.

Mundell suffered the worst of the animal's attack, and pictures of some of his injuries can be seen here. Rabies treatments are serious business, too. Fortunately he and his family should be fine, and the bobcat in question won't be able to put anyone else in the neighborhood at risk.

Latest

333 Jeffery
333 Jeffery

Behind the Bullet: The .333 Jeffery

Delve into the history of one of the most fascinating cartridges from the golden era of hunting—the .333 Jeffery.

First Look: ALPS Mountaineering Reservoir 3.0

ALPS Mountaineering has introduced the Reservoir 3.0 hydration bladder. The Reservoir 3.0 features an anti-microbial IonPure treatment that helps inhibit the growth of bacteria and mold, keeping the hydration system fresher between uses.

Cape Buffalo Hunt: The Measure of Memories

It takes too much time, effort and money to hunt Cape buffalo to rush a shot.

New for 2026: Sightmark Strikon VMP 1-4x22mm

Sightmark has released the Strikon VMP 1-4x22mm SFP Fiber V2 Prismatic Riflescope, an updated version of its original variable magnification prismatic sight developed in direct response to shooter feedback.

10 Most Versatile Long-Range Hunting Cartridges

Here’s a look at 10 of the most flexible long-range hunting cartridges.

First Look: Auto-Ordnance "Land of the Free" 250th Anniversary 1911

Auto-Ordnance, in collaboration with the artisans at Koted Arms, has announced the release of the "Land of the Free" 1911, a striking custom stainless pistol honoring the 250th anniversary of the United States.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.