A bobcat was spotted taking a nap in a backyard on Sunday afternoon.
The cute cat was found snoozing on a green patch of grass in south Calgary.
The bobcat appeared to have quite an enjoyable afternoon in Calgary — in addition to the long catnap, it participated in activities that included climbing a tree, peering into a kitchen window, and grooming itself.
Bobcats are known to show up in the city from time to time.
Sunday’s sighting of the sleeping bobcat in south Calgary wasn’t the only recent bobcat appearance.
Herald reader Shelia Foster snapped images of a mama feline and three kittens playing in her Oakridge backyard early last week.
Foster said the furry critters were still hanging around her yard over the long weekend and appear to love playing, tumbling and chasing.
“(Mama) brings them into our yard to play on the fake grass, which they seem to like, probably to scratch,” Foster said in an e-mail.
“Every now and again, she leaves us a rabbit foot or bit of fur so we know she is hunting successfully to feed her little family.”
Laurel G
Sleeping #bobcat in South #yyc. Mum shot this from the garage window. I've asked her not to do that again.
Laurel G
Gallery: Bobcats frolic in southwest Calgary backyard
Herald reader Sheila Foster has been getting regular visits from a family of bobcats in her Oakridge backyard. She shared some photos -- taken July 27 with us...source
Bobcats at front door of southwest Calgary home spur concern for pets, kids
Residents said a mother cat and three kittens have been wandering through their yards all summer. There haven’t been any serious incidents, but there are reports the cats are getting more curious and aggressive.
“I can’t let her outside, I can’t by herself, because I’m afraid of what this lynx is going to do to her,” said Derowin. “If she comes in between one of those kittens and the mother, she’s going to attack it. So I’ve had to leave her at my parents’ house.”
Katherine Reiffenstein, who lives across the street, took pictures of the four cats looking through her front door window.
Neighbours have called Fish and Wildlife officials to remove the animals, but the province said bobcats (often mistaken for the similar-looking lynx, which belong to the same Lynx genus) are not considered a public safety concern.
Spokesperson Brendan Cox said there have been no reports of a bobcat “going after someone or being aggressive.”
But residents on the street say if the cats are acting so curious now, they should be moved.
Instead of removal, Fish and Wildlife said they like to educate homeowners on how to prevent attracting the cats or scaring them away. The department offers the following tips:
- Remove birdfeeders from your property as they attract the smaller mammals that bobcats prey on;
- Close off any open spaces underneath your shed, deck, stairs or anywhere else that might provide shelter for a bobcat;
- Motion-activated lights may help scare bobcats away at night;
- Keep smaller pets indoors or watch them closely when outside;
- Keep pets on a leash when walking them;
- Feed your pets inside;
- Put your garbage out the morning of pickup, not the night before.
“They’re looking for food and water, and I have all those things in my backyard as I speak,” she said.
Anyone with concerns can phone the Calgary District Fish and Wildlife office during business hours at 403 297-6423 and ask to speak with an officer.
No comments:
Post a Comment