A Northeast Florida woman was left terrified and badly injured after a rabid bobcat lunged at her and her small dog in a shocking March 2026 incident, a video posted online shows.
The footage captures the wild scene as the bobcat, unusually bold and aggressive, pursued the woman across a residential street. She sustained a bite to her thigh, which penetrated her pants, requiring multiple stitches. Her small dog also narrowly escaped harm.
Experts say such behaviour is extremely rare, as bobcats typically avoid humans. However, rabies can trigger erratic and aggressive attacks. Florida’s Department of Health reported 72 rabid bobcats in 2025 alone, many exhibiting symptoms such as emaciation and unusual daytime activity, both consistent with this encounter.
Authorities are urging residents in affected areas to remain vigilant, keep pets leashed, and report any aggressive wildlife immediately.
The woman’s ordeal highlights the dangers of rabid wildlife in suburban areas, where human and animal habitats increasingly overlap. Experts warn that even normally cautious animals can become deadly when infected, making awareness and caution essential for anyone enjoying outdoor activities in Florida.
The incident has sparked concern among locals, who say encounters with wild animals are becoming more frequent, and serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of rabies-infected wildlife.
