The Calgary Humane Society’s recent report on dozens of outdoor cat deaths has led some Haysboro residents to the belief that a group of wild cats may be responsible for some of the attacks.
At least four bobcats have been seen in the neighbourhood in the last two weeks and the wild animals appear to have become quite comfortable in their adopted environment.
The bobcats, believed to be an adult and three kittens, have been photographed on the doorsteps of homes. One neighbourhood resident says a dead cat was recently located in an alleyway.
Pame Derowin says the bobcats have made their way through her yard and there has been an encounter between one of the bobcats and her dog.
“I heard a hiss, figured my dog had found a cat,” explains Derowin. “I went to go break it up and my dog and this bobcat were at a faceoff. I got closer to my dog to try and grab her away.”
“I didn’t know what to do so I went inside and grabbed my husband. He came running outside and by this time the bobcat had swiped at my dog.”
Alberta Fish and Wildlife officials say bobcat sightings in southwest Calgary are not uncommon and an abundance of squirrels or rabbits often attract the animals to the area.
In order to deter bobcats from entering residential areas, Alberta Fish and Wildlife recommends homeowners take the following steps:
- Large trees attract squirrels, which in turn attract bobcats
- Remove birdfeeders from your property as they attract the smaller mammals that bobcats prey on
- Close off any open spaces underneath your shed, deck, stairs or anywhere else that might provide shelter for a bobcat
- Motion-activated lights may help scare bobcats away at night
- Keep smaller pets indoors or watch them closely when outside
- Keep pets on a leash when walking them
- Feed your pets inside
- Put your garbage out the morning of pickup, not the night before
Calgarians with bobcat concerns are encouraged to contact the Alberta Fish and Wildlife Calgary office at 403-297-6423 during regular business hours.
With files from CTV's Ina Sidhu
