[She quickly pulled over and got out, and the bobcat jumped out and went under the van, seeking protection, authorities said.
Sadly, the cat had to be put down because the strike from the car was fatal.]
This doesn’t make a ton of sense.
Presumably, in a self-defense move, the dying animal hid under the van, trying to escape someone it perceived as a threat before it was turned over to veterinary care.
Upon being examined by a veterinarian, it was determined that the wounds received by the bobcat were terminal—the bobcat would have died slowly if not immediately put out of its misery.