‘Aggressive’ bobcat attacks children, prompting public warning, Georgia officials say
A north Georgia community is on alert after a bobcat attacked two children, officials say.
Residents are urged to be on the lookout after officials say an “aggressive” bobcat attacked children on two separate properties in Oglethorpe County, according to the fire and rescue department.
Officials said it happened Friday, Oct. 6, near Winterville.
“If you live in that area, we ask you to be mindful of your surroundings and to please keep a close eye on your children when they are outside,” the department wrote in a public notice posted on Facebook.
Authorities did not say if the children were injured, and it’s unclear if the bobcat has been caught.
Conflicts with the felines are “rare and preventable,” according to the Humane Society of the United States.
While they’re nocturnal, bobcats can also be spotted during the daylight hours, wildlife experts say. A sighting doesn’t mean the animal is sick or rabid, though some bobcats may approach if they’ve lost their fear of humans.
To prevent a bobcat encounter form turning into an attack, experts suggest:
- Making loud noises to scare them away
- Douse them with water
- Throw an object toward them
McClatchy News reached out to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources on Oct. 9 and was awaiting a response.
Winterville is about 80 miles east of downtown Atlanta.
This story was originally published October 9, 2023 at 10:40 AM with the headline "‘Aggressive’ bobcat attacks children, prompting public warning, Georgia officials say."