Emaciated bobcat killed after biting woman’s head in Solvang

An emaciated bobcat was shot and killed Thursday after it bit a 65-year-old woman on the head and hand at a Solvang. Calif., resort.

The woman, who’s an employee at the resort, was sitting on a bench when the 10- to 15-pound bobcat attacked her from behind, biting her head, said Janice Mackey, spokeswoman for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

The woman attempted to push the cat away, but it clamped down on her again -- this time on her hand. Santa Barbara County Fire Department officials said the woman’s injuries were minor.

Fish and wildlife officials were immediately notified and found the cat not far from where the attack happened, inside the Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort in Solvang.

The cat was euthanized at the scene because it posed a threat to public safety, Mackey said.

Authorities plan to perform a necropsy on the cat, which will be tested for rabies.

The cat appeared gaunt and “just unhealthy,” said Mackey, calling the attack on a human unusual.

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