Wild

Large Cat Bit Exotic Animal Owner

Though autopsy confirms he shot himself.

Terry W. Thompson, who released over 50 exotic animals from his farm, died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, an autopsy confirmed. Officials declined to say where the bullet struck him. The autopsy also revealed a bite mark on Thompson’s head, which suggests that one of the large cats bit him soon after his death. Thompson’s body was found in his driveway, and every animal cage had been damaged to keep authorities from returning the animals to them. Thompson had received nine citations for having his animals at large, and officials had responded to complaints about the animals more than 30 times since 2004. Police say they have accounted for all 56 exotic animals—most of which were killed.