In a world where bobcats are apparently on the attack, one man in Orlando stood up to the furry menace and emerged victorious. Paul Broadhurst was out for a walk with his daughter's dog, Koda, when a bobcat attacked them. But in a heroic display of bravery, he fought off the vicious feline and saved Koda's life. Take that, bobcat!
But amidst all the excitement, we can't forget that this incident is a reminder of the dangers of encroaching on wildlife habitats. According to Fox 35 Orlando, Frank Robb with EEARSS, humans and animals are having more conflicts due to the loss of wild areas. It's a serious issue, and we should all be aware of our surroundings and know where we live. After all, we don't want to end up like Broadhurst, needing to fend off wild animals left and right.
Robb suggests carrying something like a walking stick to put between oneself and an animal if needed. And if you see something that doesn't belong, turn around and go in a different direction. It's good advice, but it's also a bit of a bummer that we can't just go about our lives without worrying about being attacked by bobcats.
Speaking of bobcats, what could have caused this particular one to attack? It's possible it was desperate for food, was fed by people and got too comfortable, or was rabid. Whatever the reason, it's clear that this bobcat picked the wrong person to mess with. Broadhurst didn't hesitate to fight back and was even scratched up in the process. But Koda is safe, and that's all that matters.
Now, if we're being honest, we all know that pets are like family. So it's no surprise that Broadhurst would risk life and limb to save Koda. In fact, we can only imagine what other heroic feats he's ready to undertake for his beloved companion. Maybe he's already got a cape and mask at home, ready to go at a moment's notice.
But in all seriousness, let's take this incident as a warning to respect wildlife and give them their space. And if you're a pet owner, make sure you're ready to protect your furry friend like Broadhurst did for Koda. It's a crazy world out there, and you never know when a bobcat might decide to pounce.
Orlando Dog Bobcat Attack:
14 Animals In Florida That Can Kill You
Southwest Florida is a tourist dream with sandy beaches, sunshine, and minor league baseball. But stray too far from civilization, and it can get pretty scary. Did Brian Laundrie kill himself because he was overwhelmed with guilt, or was it because he was about to be eaten? All they found was skeletal remains.
UPDATE: This list is from 2022. To see the the current list (with additional commentary!) you'll find that here: Power Ranking The 14 Wild Animals In Florida That Can Kill You
Let's face it, there's a lot of things down here trying to kill you. There's 6 venomous snakes in Florida, and only 2 of them were deadly enough to make this list. Our tropical environment brings danger, both on the land and in the water. The only thing we're missing is flying death. Fortunately the Pterodactyls got knocked out by evolution, or a giant meteor, or aliens, or whatever. Imagine being out golfing, maybe shooting 2 under on the 15th, it's a beautiful day and BAM a pterodactyl scoops you up for lunch. This has to be the reason why cavemen didn't golf.
Ranker took a look at the most dangerous animals here in the sunshine state. I wanted to add "Snowbird behind the wheel of a car" but decided to stick to the Florida animals that live here year round. So here we go, with 14 animals in Florida that can kill you.
Box Jellyfish
A fun stat? Box jellyfish kill more people each year than sharks. A sting from this thing can stop your heart. Plus when you make it back to shore someone will of course volunteer to pee on you, which actually doesn't help. And - eww. Still feel like going for a swim?
The Brown Recluse Spider
I know someone that had multiple brown recluse spider bites on her arm. She didn't die but it suuuuuuuuuucked. Necrosis, fever, vomiting are all likely symptoms.
Black Widow
Now, normally you won't die if you get bit by one of these, but are you ready to roll the dice? One time I was at a transmitter site and opened a panel to find a black widow waiting inside. I don't help with engineering anymore. Nope.
Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake
It's called a rattlesnake for a reason, it'll rattle it's tail to let you know you need to move on. If unheeded, this snake has an incredible painful bite. If you don't get help immediately, you can die. Painfully.
Bull Shark
You knew there'd be a shark on this list. Big and aggressive, they cruise the coast of Florida. If you're waist deep out in the gulf and there's little fish swimming all around you - move. They're called bait fish for a reason.
Alligator
Class, this is what's know as an Apex predator. Top of the food chain. More and more often we're seeing these beasts on the golf course. Don't wanna get eaten? Stick to Top Golf.
Southern Copperhead
Look at how that thing blends in with the leaves - watch your step. Interesting fact, this snake will generally give you a warning strike with little or no venom. The second bite though...
Kissing Bugs
It sounds friendly enough, except that the "kiss" is actually a bloodsucking bite. But that's not where the real danger is. These bugs transfer a parasite that transmits Chagas, which may lead to fatal cardiac arrest.
Great White Shark
Yes, as in "Jaws". Like old people from New York, they come down here in the winter for the warmer climate. And occasionally nibble on a swimmer.
Fire ants
I've been bit by fire ants many times, it's not fun. Twice outside the Walmart in North Fort Myers. Fortunately for me after the first couple of bites I'm smart enough to get out of the grass. If you're allergic, or even if you get enough bites, your body can swell up to the point where you suffocate. The best way to avoid this is to stay inside and play video games.
Barracuda
Super sharp teeth and don't normally attack humans. These things can swim up to 35 mph and if something shiny catches their eye, like a necklace on a swimmer, they might accidentally attack. And of course, you know, there's the song.
Wild Boar
If you live in a rural area down here, you've seen these things. They are mean, and will attack. The best part? They're full of diseases and bacteria - including anthrax. They've been doing a lot of trapping and relocating these beast from areas along the Estero River. They demolish landscaping.
Panther
There's actually no reported deaths in Florida from panther attacks, although they have been know to take down livestock. No human deaths in Florida, don't want to be the first.
Black Bear
If they do attack, they tend to maul rather than kill. So, maybe scarring and horrible disfigurement? Black bears live in the rural areas and are quite known to sift through trash and if you leave pet food outside - you may get a new pet. I also remember a story of one coming into a guy's garage and opening the fridge.