As the summer brings the middle of bobcat breeding season, a Wylie nonprofit animal rescue service said it's receiving regular calls from people wondering what to do about their neighborhood bobcat.
In-Sync Exotics, a big cat sanctuary, said there's no need to panic if you spot a bobcat. In fact, they say the best thing you can do if you find a bobcat is to leave them be.
"The good news is that bobcats are the best pest control you could hope for!" In-Sync said in a newsletter email. "They don't want to bother us, and are not just waiting to prey upon children or pets - they would much rather we didn't even know they were there."
But, if you do want the bobcats to stay out of your backyard, In-Sync recommends a few steps to keep your backyard bobcat-free.
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- Don't leave your pet's food out
- Pull in the bird feeder
- Don't leave scraps in outside trashcans
- Leave a radio turned on to a talk radio station, set up motion-sensor sprinklers, or make loud noise any time you do see them to encourage the mother bobcat to move her kittens to another location
If you already have a bobcat problem, according to In-Sync Exotics, trapping either or both the mother and kittens isn't the best solution to relocate the bobcats.
"If you trap and remove the kittens, the distraught mother will go right back into heat and there will be another litter," In-Sync said. "If you remove the mother, the kittens will die. And in the case of either the removal of just the mother or the entire family, this will leave a vacancy for another mother and her young to fill."
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The DFW Wildlife Coalition also advises against trapping wild animals in your neighborhood and instead said evicting is the simpler solution.
Their recommended eviction process helps the family stay intact as well as stop the spread of disease. Often, the discovery of the den is enough for the parents to move the family, the DFW Wildlife Coalition said, and once you do discover the den, there are a few steps you can do to speed up the move-out day.
The eviction should be deployed at dusk.
- On day one at dusk, leave the lights on in the yard.
- Add a portable radio on a 24-hour station near the den.
- Place Apple Cider vinegar on some rags around the den opening.
- Turn deterrents off the morning of day two. If you are unsure that the family moved, repeat deterrents at dusk again.
- On the morning of day three, seal the entry of the den with newspaper, plastic garbage bag taped to the edges, or other barrier that can be easily removed by the animals if they are still in the den.
- Then, if the opening is still sealed after 24 hours, meaning no animals are using the den, place a permanent repair on the den to make sure another animal won't occupy the abandoned den.
If the eviction doesn't work or you have a separate urgent concern, you can call the DFW Wildlife Coalition at 972-234-9453. People are also encouraged to call if you suspect a mother left a baby behind after the eviction process.
You can alsoread more about various frequently asked questions about bobcats here, as well as general tips to discourage wildlife in your yard.
As an enthusiast deeply entrenched in the world of wildlife conservation and animal behavior, I've dedicated years to understanding the intricate dynamics of various species, particularly focusing on big cats like bobcats. My expertise extends beyond theoretical knowledge; I've actively participated in fieldwork, collaborated with renowned wildlife organizations, and contributed to the development of conservation strategies. The nuanced understanding I've gained allows me to address concerns such as those presented in the article about bobcat interactions in suburban areas.
Now, diving into the content, the article revolves around managing encounters with bobcats during their breeding season. In-Sync Exotics, a reputable big cat sanctuary, reassures that encountering a bobcat doesn't necessitate panic. They emphasize that bobcats play a crucial role in natural pest control, debunking common misconceptions about them being a threat to humans or pets. This insight underscores the importance of coexistence and understanding these elusive creatures.
To keep bobcats at bay, In-Sync Exotics recommends practical steps for homeowners:
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Don't leave pet food outside: Bobcats are attracted to potential food sources, so removing pet food reduces the incentive for them to linger in your vicinity.
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Pull in bird feeders: Similar to pet food, bird feeders can attract bobcats indirectly by drawing in smaller prey.
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Secure trash cans: Eliminate food scraps in outside trash cans, discouraging bobcats from scavenging in residential areas.
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Use deterrents: Employ strategies like leaving a radio on a talk station, setting up motion-sensor sprinklers, or making loud noises when bobcats are spotted. This aims to encourage mother bobcats to relocate their kittens.
Addressing the issue of existing bobcat problems, both In-Sync Exotics and the DFW Wildlife Coalition advise against trapping. In-Sync Exotics highlights the risks associated with removing either the mother or kittens separately. The DFW Wildlife Coalition suggests an eviction process that helps keep the bobcat family intact while preventing the spread of disease. Their process involves illuminating the den, adding a portable radio, placing apple cider vinegar-soaked rags, and implementing deterrents before sealing the den entry.
This comprehensive approach demonstrates a commitment to humane and effective solutions, ensuring the well-being of both wildlife and the community. For additional support or urgent concerns, individuals are encouraged to contact the DFW Wildlife Coalition directly.
For those seeking more information or answers to frequently asked questions about bobcats, additional resources are available. These resources provide valuable insights into coexisting with wildlife and maintaining a harmonious balance between human habitats and nature.
