Bobcats should be “shy” and “elusive”. Wildcat sightings have doubled in Calgary
Two Calgars find bobcats strolling in the residential area, adding charm and mystery to the fascinating creatures, posting the video to the city’s subreddit. But one expert said the lynx behavior changed and they are no longer “shy” and “elusive” of their characteristics.
Bobcats are about three times the size of a cat and usually do not thrive in occupied or dense areas. But one expert told Canada that the increase in prey and bobcat-friendly food is changing that.
In both videos, cats don’t seem to be disturbed by human filming or the presence of living in the houses they are strolling with.
Users posted videos of bobcats found in suburbs of Calgary.
Discovering elusive animal double in Calgary
Colleen Cassady St. Clair is a professor of biological sciences at the University of Alberta. Bobcats are a natural part of the Alberta fauna system, but can also be found in the southern part of most provinces, extending from British Columbia to Nova Scotia, she said.
Trusted news and daily joy are in your inbox
Watch it for yourself – Yodel is the go-to for daily news, entertainment and feel-good stories.
They are adaptable and live in a variety of habitats, from dry, rugged areas to young forests or bushes of young birds, small mammals and reptiles. Since bobcats are strict carnivores, these types of creatures are perfect for them.
In recent years, sightings of the creature have been seen soaring in Calgary. Since 2018, the average catalog of average witnesses per year has doubled since January 2024, an increase of 2,000 per year, the city of Calgary said.
“They are rare compared to seeing squirrels, but these reports are almost as common as coyotes,” St. Clair told Canada. “Their reputation is that they are an elusive and shy species that are not like it at all in Calgary.”
Their reputation is that they are an elusive shy species that has no behavior like this in Calgary.
Calgary’s Bobcats: “They find a lot of prey”
St. Clair suspects that Calgary’s population increases are due to the fact that animals have successfully reproduced and become accustomed to human and human infrastructure. St. Clair added that big cats have a lot to feed.
“They find a lot of prey. In natural circumstances, lynx prey on smaller animals like hares,” she said. “In Edmonton and Calgary, there are [been] The increase in domestic rabbits. Grey Squirrels also expands its scope throughout North America. ”
St. Clair suspects that bobcats may also be attracted to any cat food left behind in residential areas where wild cats live.
“Boncats are powerful carnivores,” she said. “They don’t eat a range like dogs. They only eat meat under normal circumstances. Their evolutionary diet is purely prey, and cats’ food mimics it.”
While the lynx is able to prey on cats and puppies, St. Clair said there is no report on the conflict, which could be one of the reasons for the increase in Calgary’s sightings.
“Maybe they prefer other foods and prey,” she said.
Experts warn: “Enjoy them from a distance. Don’t try to tame them’
St. Clair strongly prevents anyone from feeding them because “it’s always bad for wildlife and often for people.”
Bobcats do present risks to pets and humans because they are susceptible to toxic agents, toxoplasmosis, an infectious disease that is carried and transmitted through infected feces.
If you do cross the road with the bobcat, St. Clair says the animal should be reported so the municipality can grasp how much of it is.
“We should be more cautious about inviting wildlife into our residences, such as our backyard,” she said. “Enjoy them from a distance. Don’t try to tame them.”
