Bobcat spotted in Penryn
Liisa and Jim Chandler have nicknamed the new visitor to their Penryn home “B.C.” That’s short for bobcat. Liisa Chandler said they saw the animal several times earlier in the spring and soon realized it wasn’t a house cat. Bobcats can be up to two times the size of domesticated cats. “I think he lives in one of the granite outcroppings on our property,” she said. The Chandlers are used to seeing wildlife on their 2-1/2 acre spread, part of which includes a nature area with a creek. “We have the bobcat, coyotes, raccoons, skunks, a little fox family and deer,” she said. Herds of deer, which “level everything,” she said, have caused Chandler to quit planting anything on her back property. “I just let it go natural.” The creek and wildland are the perfect habit for bobcats, which like to feed on birds, squirrels and other small animals and are attracted to the water. As much as Chandler enjoys B.C.’s regular visits to her back yard, she is careful not to get too close. “I’m not afraid of him, but I wouldn’t want to get in front of him if he’s hunting anything,” she said. “I don’t want to antagonize him.” Chandler said they don’t try to entice the bobcat in any way, especially not leaving food out for him. They’re doing what experts recommend. “Never feed wildlife,” said Kyle Orr, a spokesman for the Department of Fish and Game headquarters. In fact, it’s illegal to feed some wild animals, like deer, said Orr. While bobcats do not present any danger to humans, they can be prey on small pets and livestock. Bobcats are nocturnal and their activity tends to begin at dusk. “Daylight is largely spent resting in cover area, such as rocks or dense brush,” he said. Discouraging visits by bobcats could very well save its life. The Website for Project Wildlife lists the following tips for keeping them away. 1. Do not feed the bobcat. 2. Never leave pet food outside. 3. Restrict use of birdseed. Bobcats are attracted to the birds and rodents that use the feeder. 4. If possible, eliminate outdoor sources of water. 5. Trim and clear near ground level any shrubbery that provides cover for bobcats or prey. 6. Use fencing to help deter bobcats. 7. Actively discourage bobcats by making loud noises and throwing rocks to make them leave. 8. Battery operated flashing lights, tape recorded human noises, scattered moth balls and ammonia- soaked rags strategically placed may deter bobcats from entering your yard. 9. Keep cats and small dogs indoors, allowing them outside only under strict supervision. 10. Keep chickens, rabbits and other small animals
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These guys are not anything new to the area. I actually have seen more of them in the last couple of years than ever in the past. I think this suggest we as humans are encrouching a little to much. They are very cool animals to observe, if you are watching them they are watching you. We sat one night and watched one for almost an hour just relaxing in the shade.
And dont forget, never feed a bear a marshmallo from your mouth. (SNL)
When I first saw this article, I thought, "A bobcat in Penryn" OHHH...THE HUMANITY!!!!".....this is news? But then, after 20 minutes of removing the stick from a certain orifice, it became fun and I'm glad it was mentioned. Life is like that. I lived in Clover Valley for 18 years. I had two encounters with mountain lions in that time. But the tracks were everywhere. The center (bottom and largest) pad has a divot or dimple in the center bottom. So It forms the letter, "M". In a surrealistic, just-drank-a-bottle-of-tequila way. But the serious sounding part was true. It's the only difference that's unique to mountain lions. Otherwise, a German Shepard leaves the same track. I also had a family of bobcats near my house for three years in a row. The momma, at least, was the biggest bobcat I've ever seen. The article was correct in saying that they are twice the size of a domestic cat. In the scores of times in my life I've seen a bobcat, the first thought is, "It's a cat." Then you think, "It's sort of big." and then you see the proof of the bobtail and the beautiful face markings. But several years ago, I looked out my kitchen window and saw what at first I thought was a dog. It was a HUGE bobcat. It had to be 40 or 50 pounds. But it was ALL bobcat. It was very tame in the sense that it would let me walk past it about 40 feet away without running or hiding. And I fell in love with her when she brought her "kittens" (?) with her on forages. One time I
(CONTINUED) One time I saw the big mamma carrying a large, dead rat toward the shrubbery southwest of the house. I would have done anything to keep them nearby. Perhaps my attitude helped momma decide to stay for three years. After that I never saw them again. The only other mentionable animal experience lately was with a snail. Six weeks ago I heard a knock at the door. When I answered, nobody was there. But there was a snail on the front porch. So I picked it up and threw it as far as I could, about 50 feet, out onto the lawn. Then....last night......I get a knock at the door. I oened it and no one was there. But here is the SAME snail! He looked up at me and said, "Well, what in the hell was THAT all about?"
What an honor! You are very fortunate to be able to see such an amazing animal. Thank you for appreciating wildlife, and not expecting the animals who share their homes with us to behave for our convenience. That includes being selfless enough to plant in harmony with nature. If you plant roses, deer will come. Either enjoy their presence or yank out the damn roses.
great news bob cat season open all year thay look cool stuffed