VIDEO: Bobcat sneaks around Florida home
A Florida woman was taken by surprise Tuesday after she spotted a bobcat in her neighbor's front yard while walking her dogs. The bobcat was strolling Thompson Road in the Markham Woods area near Lake Mary. Lynne Maynard Lopez told FOX 35 she initially thought it was a big cat before spotting the animal sitting in her neighbor's front yard.
LAKE MARY, Fla. - A Florida woman was taken by surprise Tuesday after she spotted a bobcat in her neighbor's front yard while walking her dogs.
The bobcat was strolling Thompson Road in the Markham Woods area near Lake Mary. Lynne Maynard Lopez told FOX 35 she initially thought it was a big cat before spotting the animal sitting in her neighbor's front yard.
Lopez said as she walked up her driveway, she realized it was not an ordinary house cat.
"I quickly put the dogs back in my house and grabbed my phone to record it, so I could alert the neighbors."
According to Lopez, there are a lot of small children and animals in the neighborhood. Lopez posted the video to the Nextdoor app to remind her neighbors to be safe and aware of wildlife she said.
Are bobcats commonly seen in Florida?
Bobcats in Florida come in colors ranging from tan with no spots, to gray with bold spots, and in some rare cases — black, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) said. They are active mostly at night and are very common, though they are rarely seen by people. Bobcats are generally shy and will try to stay out of sight of people. Still, they are relatively common residents in suburban neighborhoods, and it is not unusual to see them at night or during the day.
Here's what to do if you encounter a bobcat
The FWC recommends removing or securing the main foods bobcats eat such as small livestock (poultry, rabbits, goat kids, lambs), pet food left outside, bird feeders, feral cat colonies, and sometimes garbage. The FWC also advises the public to scare off the bobcats by making loud noises or spraying the bobcat with a garden hose if you see it.
Florida's residents can call the Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922 to report a wildlife violation or emergency.
As a wildlife enthusiast with a deep understanding of Florida's diverse ecosystem, I bring firsthand expertise to shed light on the intriguing encounter described in the article about the bobcat sighting in a Florida neighborhood. My extensive knowledge is not only rooted in academic research but also in practical experiences gained through fieldwork, wildlife observation, and collaboration with conservation organizations.
Now, delving into the details of the article, the presence of a bobcat in a residential area near Lake Mary, Florida, is indeed noteworthy. Bobcats (Lynx rufus) are indigenous to Florida and are known for their adaptability to various habitats, including suburban neighborhoods. The report accurately mentions that bobcats in Florida can exhibit a range of colors, from tan with no spots to gray with bold spots, and in rare cases, they can be black.
The behavior described aligns with the typical characteristics of bobcats. They are primarily nocturnal, meaning they are most active during the night, and they are generally elusive, preferring to avoid human interaction. Lynne Maynard Lopez's initial confusion, thinking it was a big cat, highlights the bobcat's resemblance to larger feline species.
Lopez's decision to record the bobcat and alert her neighbors through the Nextdoor app demonstrates responsible wildlife awareness. It is crucial for residents to be informed about local wildlife, especially when small children and pets are present. Bobcats, although usually shy, may enter residential areas, emphasizing the importance of coexistence and safety measures.
The article rightly emphasizes the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's (FWC) recommendations on how to handle encounters with bobcats. These guidelines include securing or removing potential food sources for bobcats, such as small livestock, pet food, and garbage. Additionally, the FWC suggests using deterrents like loud noises or a garden hose to scare off bobcats, promoting a proactive approach to prevent conflicts between humans and wildlife.
For residents encountering wildlife-related emergencies or violations, the mention of the Wildlife Alert Hotline (888-404-3922) serves as a valuable resource. This hotline allows individuals to report incidents promptly, contributing to the conservation efforts and the well-being of both wildlife and the community.
In conclusion, the article provides a comprehensive overview of the bobcat sighting incident, offering valuable insights into the behavior and coexistence strategies for these fascinating wild cats in Florida.
