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Injured Bobcat Bites Woman in Riverview

The injured cat bit a woman attempting to help it along U.S. 301 near Symmes Road on Thursday morning, the Tampa Bay Times reports.

An injured bobcat attacked a woman attempting to come to its aid in Riverview on Thursday morning, the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The incident happened on U.S. 301 near Symmes Road shortly after 8 a.m., the Times reports. According to a spokesperson from the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, several passersby pulled over to help the animal. It had apparently been hit by a car and was in distress.

In her attempt to help the 20- to 25-pound feline, the woman threw a towel over it and was subsequently scratched and bitten.

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Though only defending itself, the animal will be euthanised and tested for rabies, according to Marti Ryan of Hillsborough County Animal Services.

Bobcats are a common species in Florida, FWC spokesperson Gary Morse told Patch, but instances of them injuring people are rare.

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"Generally, they avoid people," Morse said.

Read more about the incident in the Tampa Bay Times story.

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