SELMA, AL – In a tale that has captured the attention of social media users everywhere, an 82-year-old turkey hunter from Alabama found himself at the center of an unexpected wildlife encounter. Claude Strother, known for his love of turkey hunting since the 1970s, never imagined that a day in the woods would lead to a viral story about a bobcat attack.
Strother, a seasoned hunter, was on his property in Wilcox County last week, mimicking turkey calls in hopes of luring a big one. However, the day took an unforeseen turn when a bobcat mistook him for prey. The incident, which left Strother with a bloodied face, was documented in a series of selfies he took to show his family, quickly spreading online.
The bobcat, likely deceived by Strother’s realistic turkey yelps, launched an attack from behind, knocking him over. “At first, I thought someone had hit me with a bat,” Strother recounted, still bewildered by the force of the blow. The bobcat’s claws narrowly missed his eyes, but it managed to bite the back of his head before trotting away.
Despite the frightening encounter, Strother holds no ill will toward the animal. “He thought I was a turkey. My yelping must be pretty convincing,” he said with a chuckle, showing a remarkable sense of humor about the ordeal. Even after such a scare, Strother returned to the same spot the next morning, undeterred in his hunting pursuits.
Strother’s daughter shared the story on Facebook, highlighting her father’s resilience and the oddity of the situation. The post garnered hundreds of comments, providing a welcome distraction for Strother, who is also bravely battling cancer. “Reading all those comments has really lifted his spirits,” she noted.
Strother’s passion for hunting is longstanding, with nearly 50 years of adventures chronicled in meticulous records. He has hunted in 18 states and even Mexico, with Alabama turkeys being among his favorite challenges. To date, he has successfully hunted 247 turkeys, a testament to his dedication and skill.
For Strother, this encounter adds another chapter to his storied life as an outdoorsman. It’s a reminder that even in familiar woods, nature can surprise even the most experienced among us. “I might have other challenges ahead, but nothing will keep me out of the woods,” he said defiantly.