Bobcat encounter shocks Nova Scotian man
This intense run-in with a bobcat has given a Nova Scotia resident new respect for wild creatures. We spoke with the man about his experience.
Spencer Fraser was heading home after a day of fishing in Forchu, N.S., when he pulled over to use his cellphone, and noticed a bobcat near his truck.
“I rolled down my window a little bit and I just [made noises],” said Fraser.
He definitely got the bobcat's attention.
It is never recommended to do this as bobcats are wild and unpredictable, and this encounter demonstrates just that. The sound could have been perceived as a threat or territorial challenge.
Fraser laughed it off in the video, but he says he wouldn’t do it again.
Bobcat mark on truck. (Spencer Fraser/Submitted to The Weather Network)
“It happened so quick, and I was not expecting it, but then about an hour later, I realized how bad that could have ended up," said Fraser.
The bobcat's claws left scratch marks on his truck.
“I seen that when it jumped. Its claws came out like it was going to attack me.”
Fraser is counting himself lucky.
Bobcats are the most common wild cat in North America, but are elusive. Rarely seen, an encounter like Fraser's is extremely rare. However, it is a cautionary tale of what can happen if you attempt to get too close.
Photo in the thumbnail is not of the same animal mentioned in this story. It is courtesy of Laura Dann, taken in Gagetown, N.B.