Big cats on the prowl in St. James City
It would seem that the effort to preserve wild, natural areas and habitats is attracting more than hikers and bird watchers to the island these day. Since the beginning of the year, island residents have reported seeing numerous alligators and coyote and now a new predator has appeared on the scene. On the evening of Nov. 19, Flamingo Bay resident, Linda Golnek spotted a rather large cat wandering around the back yard of her Curlew Drive home. Snapping a quick photo, the cat could easily be identified as a bobcat.
“I have seen bobcats in the area in the past, particularly after Hurricane Charley when we lost a lot of trees in the area, but none as large as this one,” said Golnek.
Golnek estimated the bobcat to be approximately 45 pounds and did not appear to be alarmed by her presence.
“I was in and out of the house several times while the bobcat was in the yard. Even the slamming of the screen door didn’t seem to bother it,” Golnek said. “Some of my neighbors are concerned about the safety of their dogs, but so far the bobcat hasn’t seemed threatening in my opinion.”
According to information provided by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, typically a bobcat is a tawny-brown color and some spots appear on the coat. The underside is usually a yellowish-white and spotted with black dots. The most distinguishing feature however, is its bobbed tail. The Florida wildcats are somewhat taller than their northern counterparts and generally weigh between 15 and 35 pounds. Most bobcats will hunt by night, however, according to FWC, it is not uncommon in Florida to see these cats during daylight hours. Preferring mostly small mammals, the bobcat will prey on squirrels, rabbits, rats, opossums and small raccoons. Occasionally a bobcat will take a feral cat as a meal if they are abundant in an area. While bobcats are very adaptable in areas populated by humans, they generally don’t pose a threat.
“Bobcats are very common in neighborhoods throughout Florida and over the years, there have only been five reports of bobcats attacking people and all five bobcats tested positive for rabies,” said Gary Morse with FWC. “If I were to give anyone advice about co-existing with bobcats, I would tell them to protect small dogs under 10 pounds and their cats. Also don’t invite them to your property by leaving food out or unsecured garbage as this may attract them to your yard as well.”
In Florida, the mating season for bobcats is from August to March with the peak in February. Each female can produce a litter of two to three kittens that are weaned in about two months.
Fish and WIldlife officers will not trap and relocate a nuisance bobcat, but those who have questions or seek advise when dealing with any problem wild animal are asked to call wildlife biologist, Briann Strepina at 1-863-648-3200.