Rat Attack, Bobcat Brawl, Stolen Pups: Top Animal Stories Of 2019

NATICK, MA — We all know about the man-bites-dog cliché. But you probably haven't heard the one about the dog who bit a rat while defending a young girl.

As 2019 draws to a close, we looked through the hundreds of stories we published this year for the most popular ones involving animals. Here are some that really hit home for many Patch readers.

Natick Rat Attacks Dog; Owner Says Town Has Rodent Problem

Susan Lane said her dog Stella stopped a large rat from attacking two girls in her backyard.

Puppies Stolen From Dog Abandoned On Route 9

A pit bull that recently gave birth was abandoned on the side of Route 9 and someone took all its puppies.

Grafton Man Finds Bobcats Ready To Brawl In His Backyard

One Grafton man got a front row seat to a bobcat face off happening right in his backyard Thursday morning and shared his photos with Patch's quickpost.

Beagle Found In Northborough; Officials Need Help Finding Owner

Northborough Animal Control put out a call in April asking for help locating this pup's owners. Remember, you can always ask Patch to help you find your missing pet.

Moose Map Shows Sightings, Deaths In Massachusetts: See Your Town

After three moose showed up in Worcester this fall, Patch sorted through hundreds of police reports to map all the moose sightings (and deaths) over the last five years.

Deer Jumps Through Window Of Worcester High School

No one was hurt in this May incident — except the deer.