Bobcat Den & What to Do

[Carl_NH]

As I am writing this (wireless works to 300+'!!) I wait for the reemergence of the bobcat that has made a den behind the barn in an area several years ago we filled with rocks and stumps.

Earlier today the Bobcat and I stared each other down for 5 minutes then she disappeared. So I got the laptop and digital camera and setting up camp to capture a photo.. Have seen fox and coyote, here but this is the first bobcat, a very good looking cat I must say, almost looks like a nice pet. Here's a link to what I am speaking of Felis Rufus

The question is, should I dismantle the den with the BH and get rid of the cat? Or live and let live? We have two cats that have been indoor now for year since coyotes have been prevalent, so there is no immediate danger to our animals but to others in the neighborhood, I suppose fair game.

Anyone else have any experience with these big cats?

Carl

 

[Robert_in_NY]

Let it be unless it is a nusiance. I hate to bother animals as they are doing what is natural for them to do so unless it comes down to the point that their actions are detrimental to my animals or property then I leave them be. (they are fun to watch) I look forward to your pictures.

 

[DaveNH]

I cast my vote for "Live and let live"
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[TresCrows]

Bobcats are fairly harmless. I would leave her and the kittens alone unless you have some good reason to worry and it does not sound like you do. I doubt she will bother other neighborhood cats or dogs or children. Bobcats are awfully small cats, not as if it were a mountain lion in your barn. She and the kittens will be gone before you know it. J

 

[Anonymous Poster]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Anyone else have any experience with these big cats? )</font>

They are really not that big. I would leave momma and the kits alone and enjoy them as much as possible.

SnowRidge

 

[Carl_NH]

Thanks guys for the advise and feedback on this. My wife feels the same, so we will enjoy them while they are here.

Regarding the size, when I say big cat, this is comparing to a large house cat - (we had an 18 LB all american) this is considerably bigger, about 18" tall and 28-30" long.

Very interesting to watch her yesterday, as I sat last evening for 1 1/2 hrs waiting for her to come back out - never did. Interestingly I weed wacked the brush in this area three weeks ago and no signs or disturbance, now the kits must be about since there is bare ground around the two entrances where they play.

I have the camera at ready, just want to catch them out one day soon and will post the photos.

Carl

 

[cowboydoc]

Definitely leave them alone. In most states it's against the law to harass them. Moving or disturbing their dens is considered harassment. If they do become a problem call the game warden in your area. They will remove them to a more remote location where they will be safe and out of the way.

We like them as they kill rodents by the 100's. They're better than 100 cats at ridding the area of mice, ground squirrels, etc.

 

[Carl_NH]

cowboydoc,

Was out this AM to catch a photo, no movement - its raining again, so she is staying dry..

Since our cats are inside for the last year, the chipmunk population has exploded here, must be 50-60 in and around the yard and woods. In fact 4-6 of them play within 5' of the den.

Our property is set in the woods, with the woods behind us being about 10-15 acres fronting the ocean marsh where deer and other animals frequent. Also, this might explain why we have no deer problem this spring, since every year in the past the hostas have been eaten down in ours and the neighbors yards. And I have not seen a deer track for several weeks, and the hostas are untouched..

There are some good side benefits it appears.

Carl

 

[TresCrows]

In all likelyhood as soon as the kittens are strong enough she will move them --- she may have already done so. I bet she and the kittens are gone. J

 

[gws]

Hmm, and I thought this was going to be about building a shed for a bobcat