Hunter Filmed as Bobcat Suddenly Attacks in Woods

In the United States, reports of big cat attacks usually involve mountain lions and hikers, or incidents connected to circuses and zoos. Recently, however, a turkey hunter was attacked by a bobcat.

Human Attacks by Bobcats

Attacks on humans by bobcats are extremely rare, since these shy, solitary animals usually avoid people. When incidents do occur, they often involve animals that are rabid, injured, or cornered. While uncommon, a bobcat can still cause serious injuries if it feels threatened.

There have been a small number of documented bobcat attacks on people in Michigan. One took place on May 1, 2025, when a zoo staff member was attacked by a bobcat at Wilderness Trails Zoo, resulting in injuries that required stitches.

In 2024, a hunter in northern Michigan reported being attacked by a bobcat in the Huron National Forest near Glennie, sustaining injuries to his hand.

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Most recently, a bobcat attack on a turkey hunter was captured on camera.

Shocking Video: Bobcat Charges Turkey Hunter

According to KARE 11, a 19-year-old turkey hunter in Wisconsin, Carsen Bender, was out hunting when he heard a noise behind him. The sound seemed unusual, especially since he already had a turkey in front of him that he was considering harvesting.

Bender used his phone to check what was behind him, and that’s when he spotted the bobcat staring in his direction, though he initially believed the animal was focused on the turkey he had been watching.

Bender said, "I guess I didn't realize how laser focused it was just on me and it just so happened before I got to shoot the turkey, the bobcat decided to grab onto my arm." He wound up with a few scratches on his shoulder and later when to the doctor for some antibiotics to be safe.

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The young turkey hunter just shook it off and continued his hunt for a turkey.

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