Bobcats in AACo??!

[Lafayette]

I’ve always been amazed at the ability of wildlife to remain concealed when they want/need to. While I have never seen a bobcat in the wild, I have seen the ones in the Baltimore zoo. What amazes me is that when I’m standing there looking at them, how many people walk up, look around the enclosure, and say “guess they’re hiding,” or “the bobcat must not be in its cage today.” Meanwhile, the bobcat is up on a ledge, laying there cool as a cucumber, staring at everyone. Excellent ambush predators!

Most people I have met that have grown up in the city or suburbs never learned how to stop, look, and listen!

 

[John from MD]

There's been some sightings of Bobcats in my condo community. We have a great wood trail through the woods and I saw one running across the road near where the trail begins.

Police say there have been sightings, not sure if one or multiple bobcats.

A quick Google search shows that they are not pack animals and rarely attack humans.

So, should I be concerned walking in the woods at dusk/sundown? (duh! what other time would I walk in the woods - gotta make use of those lights) If I ever come across one any recommendations as to what to do?

I wouldn't worry about walking in the woods. The wildlife naturally will shy away from you. I would not however, put a cat out for the night or allow a Chihuahua to stay out in the yard as it may not be there for long.

 

[CHUNKERMD]

 

[remrug]

About 5 years ago I was turkey hunting at Warrior Mountain. I was sitting on the ground and a large bobcat came slowly walking by about 20 yrds away. He never knew I was there. He walked on a log that rose above the ground on the end and stood there checking out the area in front of him. It's one of those hunting related memories that will always be there.

 

[rgramjet]

This one was taken last weekend in SW VA where I hunt. Second one in a year. The first being huge.

 

[WHBD]

This one was taken last weekend in SW VA where I hunt. Second one in a year. The first being huge.

What general part of SW VA? Most of my fam is down there now.

 

[Afrikeber]

Saw one down at Pennyfield Lock in Potomac along the canal and river. The scream that thing made while dashing into the woods was enough for me to turn around and get out of there, sounded really pissed. My first thought was yikes no firearm for protection. Always carry now.

 

[rgramjet]

What general part of SW VA? Most of my fam is down there now.

Not too far from Goshen. Did they move down there or just visiting?

I know a lady that moved to that area from Baltimore. She is very happy to be there.

 

[WHBD]

Not too far from Goshen. Did they move down there or just visiting?

I know a lady that moved to that area from Baltimore. She is very happy to be there.

Kind of crazy, I’ve predator hunted in Goshen before. A lot of coyotes there.
My family moved a lot farther south west than that. Just north of Wytheville. From California and Idaho. I’ll be moving down there when I retire from the Air Force next year.

 

[rgramjet]

Thats great that you are moving to that area, beautiful country.

Very true about coyotes down there. Hear packs all the time.

Predator hunting has been very popular in the past several years. There has been a noticeable increase in the deer harvest in the past few years.

 

[Seagrave1963]

Chupacabra.

So disappointed that this wasn't the second comment on the thread!

 

[WHBD]

Thats great that you are moving to that area, beautiful country.

Very true about coyotes down there. Hear packs all the time.

Predator hunting has been very popular in the past several years. There has been a noticeable increase in the deer harvest in the past few years.

It is absolutely beautiful. Pretty low cost of living as well.

Oh yeah. It was loaded down there. Killed a decent amount of cats around Bedford, VA as well.

It really has exploded in popularity. Between three friends and myself we have several hundred properties in MD as well as hundreds of thousands of acres in several other states for hunting contests. All it takes to make it infinitely harder is someone who doesn't know what they're doing educating dogs on a neighboring property. For 5 years we've averaged 50+ coyotes a year in MD but it's harder each year even though the population, as well as the number of properties we have access to continue to grow.

 

[brianns]

So disappointed that this wasn't the second comment on the thread!

Don't worry, there'll be another #2.