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

LEDEBX 6 Range HD
LEDEBX 6 Range HD

New for 2026: Leupold BX-6 Range HD Rangefinding Binocular

Leupold has launched its BX-6 Range HD rangefinding binocular. With fast, accurate ranging capabilities out to 6,000 yards, an advanced ballistics intelligence and precision GPS pinning, the BX-6 Range HD is looking to carve out a space for itself as a feature-rich rangefinding offering.

(Squirrel) Dog Days in the Delta

In the Deep South, Ringo and Max prove the sole purpose in the life of a feist is to hunt squirrels.

Primos Celebrates its 50th Anniversary

Primos, now a Revelyst brand, will continue its 50th anniversary celebration throughout 2026 with a brand refresh, new product launches, storytelling initiatives and moments that honor the hunters and traditions that made the brand what it is today.

Henry Introduces New Deadeye Revolvers

Henry Repeating Arms has announced the addition of two new revolver variants, the H16 Golden Boy Deadeye Revolver and the H17 Big Boy Deadeye Revolver, created in direct response to feedback from Henry owners and enthusiasts.

Range Review: Hi-Point HP-15 M81 .300 BLK Pistol

This recently added pistol from Hi-Point sports a new finish and upgraded features.

New for 2026: Leupold VX-4HD

When a hunt can shift from tight timber at first light to a long look across open country by midmorning, a scope must do more than just magnify. The Leupold VX-4HD is built for exactly that kind of versatility, blending rugged construction, smart engineering and optical performance into a scope that works wherever the hunt takes you.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.