Here Kitty, Kitty – Bobcat Sighting
I would love to tell you that I am about to share some exquisite pictures, but this was a classic example of trying to capture a moment when everything was wrong.
I was sitting at my desk when I saw movement out of the corner of my eye. I assumed at first that it was one of the many rabbits that hang out front. One quick look and I realized that was not a rabbit (though maybe he was attracted by all of the rabbits).
A rare bobcat sighting and right in front of the house. I grabbed the camera, aimed out the window and started capturing images. Through the window and into the setting sun. Argh!
Bobcats are very timid creatures, so it is very unusual to see them wandering this close to the house – especially considering the dogs were outside behind the house.
The dogs, however, were blissfully unaware of the bobcat’s presence, though the cat was keenly aware of them.
And, with that, our feline friend disappeared into the woods, but not before letting me get one more glimpse of its muscularity.
This is a good example of always keeping the camera turned on and close. The pictures may not be great, but I do have them.
When we lived in the Yukon (1971-1987), bobcats were fairly common sights. Used to watch them crossing the Alaska Highway between Watson Lake and Whitehorse. They are very graceful in their movements, and as you said, you can see their muscles ripple with every stride.
We have one that lives close to the house, just on the other side of the creek. Lots of caves, don’t know for sure which one she uses – but brings kittens to the creek every year to hunt craw-crabs, they turn over rocks to get them. Or maybe they are hunting small fish? You can find their little paw prints in the sand. Right next to the bigger bear paw prints. Our local sow (female bear) has triplets this year – they stay with mom for two years.