Lesson Learned: Beware, even small bobcats can leave big scratches

I had to be at the television station early this morning to get ready for a radio show. When I showed up they were doing an animal special at the bureau. A bobcat and alligator were on hand from Wilson, North Carolina. Both animals acted perfectly while on air, the drama only happened once backstage.

I was in the newsroom putting together some headlines for my radio appearance when Drew Heckney walked in with the bobcat and asked if I wanted an up close look. It had a beautiful gray spotted coat and bright blue eyes and appeared pretty harmless and small, so I thought what could happen?

After petting the cat for a couple of minutes I turned around to reach for a pen and it pounced. Yes, flew up and on, landed on my body, and clawed its nails in to hold on. I was in shock while Drew tried to detach the cat from my clothing. I was a little surprised I only walked away with a cut on my hand and three snags in my silk shirt, not too bad but still an interesting way to start my Thursday morning. 

I guess I wasn't the only one surprised by the attack because a couple of hours later I got this email from the bobcat's trainer, Drew, "The bobcat told me to tell you he was sorry for jumping on you this morning, but that the texture of your outfit looked so appealing, he just couldn't help himself.  hope it didn't scare you too badly :)  he's like his handler, not afraid to go for the glory!" 

So, just a warning, if you ever come in contact with a bobcat beware because even small ones can leave big scratches…lesson learned.