 Shortly thereafter the Owsla of Efrafa , led by Woundwort himself arrives to attack the newly formed warren at Watership Down , but through Bigwig 's bravery and loyalty and Hazel 's ingenuity , the Watership Down rabbits seal the fate of the Efrafan general by unleashing the Nuthanger Farm watchdog . A formidable fighter by rabbit standards , Woundwort fearlessly stands his ground when the dog closes on him for the kill . His body , however , is never found , and at least one of his former followers continues to believe in his survival . Hazel is nearly killed by a cat , but is saved by the farm girl Lucy , the owner of the escaped hutch rabbits . 
