Bobcat sightings

Bobcats are essential to healthy ecosystems and beneficial to humans in controlling rodent populations. They have a natural fear of humans and will not attack unless cornered or otherwise provoked or habituated. Attacks on small dogs and domestic cats is rare.

Bobcats vary in size from as small as a large house cat to about 23" at the shoulders. They have fairly short "bobbed" tails. They are mostly solitary, and territorial. Females defend territories of about 5 square miles, males tend to disperse farther and hold larger territories.

It's common to see a bobcat in the middle of the day, and, although they have a natural fear of humans, unless they feel threatened, bobcats usually move away slowly.

Bobcats will be attracted to yards with poultry and or birdseed feeders - attracted to the birds but also the heightened rodent activity associated with grain feed and seed. They are also attracted to water features, especially when they are suffering from mange, which has been associated with their exposure to rodenticides - rat, mouse, gopher, ground squirrel poison.

If you see a bobcat that appears thin or weak, if you can see signs of hair loss around the face, report the sighting to Wildlife Emergency Services at rescue@wildlifeservices.org. Include the exact location, date and time of the observation.

Click HERE to view more images of bobcats suffering from exposure to "rat poison".

 

Animal removal

Most people believe that if they get rid of the animal(s), they'll get rid of the problem, but that's not the case. When animals are removed, new individuals quickly fill the vacancy and the problem starts back up again. Removing the animals is rarely the solution, and, in some cases - like with coyotes, it can actually exacerbate the problem.

 

Trapping

In California, wildlife cannot be moved or relocated - for good reason. Studies have shown most relocated animals die trying to get back home. Relocation is neither kind or effective.

When trappers are called to remove wildlife, the animals are trapped and killed. Typically, the animals are shot or destroyed in a CO2 gas chamber - a cruel and inhumane method of killing animals larger than mice.

 

What to do:

Like other wild animals, bobcats will be attracted to an area that offers good hunting opportunities. The key to reducing their presence, is to reduce the attractiveness, making your property unwelcoming and unrewarding.

• Be sure you're not contributing to the problem: birdseed feeder, conditions conducive to high rodent populations.

• House poultry in predator-proof enclosures or otherwise protected from predators.

• Thin brush, 'lollipop' shrubs, remove hiding spots.

 

More things you can do:

• Install motion-activated light and sound repellers.

• Place tall 'scare sticks' made of flashy mylar ribbon around the yard.

 

Give us a CALL - we're here to help!