Teen mauled by bobcat during turkey hunt in terrifying viral video
A Wisconsin hunting trip took a sudden and dangerous turn when a teenager was attacked by a bobcat, in a moment he managed to capture on video.
Carson Bender, 19, had been sitting against a tree while turkey hunting on private property near Nekoosa, roughly 100 miles north of Madison. While focused on his hunt, he noticed a bobcat approaching from behind. Realizing what was happening, he pulled out his phone and began recording as the animal slowly moved toward him.
In an interview with the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, Bender said the predator fixed its gaze on him for several seconds. The situation escalated quickly when the bobcat suddenly lunged, grabbing his arm. The recording cuts out at that moment.
Bender said he was able to free himself almost immediately, and the animal fled the area. He later estimated the bobcat weighed about 25 pounds. Before the attack, he had already noticed the animal nearby but was unsure how to respond, as he had been preparing to shoot a turkey when it appeared.
Despite the encounter, the turkey he had been tracking did not leave. After the attack, Bender attempted a shot but missed.
He later shared that he sought medical attention for minor injuries, describing them as scratches on his shoulder. Even with the close call, he remained composed throughout the incident, saying he relied on instinct during the brief but intense encounter.
Determined to continue hunting, Bender returned to the same location the following morning after receiving treatment.
Wildlife specialists note that bobcats are sometimes drawn to turkey calls, though direct attacks on humans are uncommon. In most cases, the animals retreat before any physical interaction occurs.
Data from Big Cat Rescue indicates that since 1990, bobcats have been linked to 26 human fatalities in the United States — including 21 adults and five children — along with 275 reported attacks as of 2025.
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