Elderly FL Couple Attacked By Possible Bobcat That Bit Off Finger

LAUDERHILL, FL — An elderly Florida couple was possibly attacked by a bobcat Friday as they took an early morning walk near their home, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and first responders. The attack occurred in Lauderhill, which is near Fort Lauderdale.

"The FWC is aware of a report of a bobcat injuring a woman in Broward County. Public safety is paramount to the FWC and staff are investigating the incident," the agency's Carol Lyn Parrish told Patch. "At this time, no additional information is available."

WPLG-TV reported that Rupert Fray, who is in his 70s, suffered a hip fracture while his wife, Ezlan, had her finger bitten off by the animal. She is in her 80s, according to the news station, which said the couple was taken to Broward Health Medical Center.

Hospital spokeswoman Fara Arca told Patch the patients were in fair condition Friday but could not immediately release more information.

Assistant Lauderhill Fire Chief Jeffrey Levy told Patch the attack happened early Friday morning at an apartment complex in a densely populated area of the community with golf courses. The complex is located at 6080 NW 44th Street.

"They were on the property," he said. "They were walking on their morning walk this morning before daylight. That's when the animal attack occurred."

Levy said the woman's husband was injured when he fell trying to protect his wife from the animal.

The wildlife commission said bobcats are about twice the size of a domestic cat and are considered a native species in the state with a dedicated hunting season. They are generally tan or yellowish brown with dark brown or black streaks. Their under parts are usually white with black spots, and the insides of the legs are marked with black bars.

"Widely distributed throughout most of North America, the charismatic bobcat has adapted well to neighborhoods throughout Florida," the commission said on its website. "In rural areas, bobcats are found in deep forest, swamps and hammock land. They den and rest in thick patches of saw palmetto and dense shrub. Bobcats weigh 12-28 pounds, have a short 'bobbed' tail, and prey on small animals such as rabbits, rodents, birds and occasionally deer."

The commission released the following tips to minimize the danger from bobcats:

• Secure all possible food sources, including pet food and garbage.
• Do not directly feed bobcats or other wildlife.
• Even if a bobcat is not eating the food you put out for birds or other wildlife, feeding stations can concentrate prey species and draw predators to your property.
• Try to scare off any bobcat that is seen in a community or near homes or livestock. Yell, use air horns or throw rocks toward but not at the bobcat to discourage the animal from being in an unwelcome place.
• Properly pen small livestock such as chickens and quail in enclosures that cannot be accessed by bobcats or other predators. Completely enclosed pens are best, to prevent animals from jumping or digging their way into an enclosure.
• Do not leave small domestic pets outdoors or in screened enclosures unattended.
• Walk dogs on leashes so they cannot run off or out of sight.

The wildlife commission said a bobcat can be removed as a nuisance if it poses a threat to public safety or property.

"Euthanasia of any live captured bobcat is prohibited," the commission said. "They
must be released."