A bobcat in Arizona received the ride of its life and managed to survive a freak accident.

According to KPHO, A.J. Michaels was driving to a restaurant on New Year's Day when he hit what he believed to be an animal. Once he arrived at the restaurant, he inspected his car for damage and found a bobcat trapped inside the car's grille.

Michaels initially thought the animal was dead, but then detected movement.

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Arizona Game and Fish Department officials were called to the scene to remove the animal. The bobcat was safely removed from the vehicle. An initial examination suggests the bobcat may have suffered a back injury during the ordeal.

Bobcats are commonly seen throughout Arizona.

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Julian Conley listens during opening statements in his trial at Fulton County Superior Court in Atlanta on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. The 25-year-old is accused of fatally shooting 8-year-old Secoriea Turner in July 2020. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com