Bobcats make residents nervous in southwest Calgary
A family living in the southwest community of Killarney say they are concerned about a family of bobcats that have taken up residence in their neighbourhood.
Jason Hastie has lived in in area for the last 16 years and says this is the first time he's seen wildlife in the inner-city.
The cats were first noticed about a week ago, when Hastie's Ring doorbell camera picked up motion. His wife checked it out, and saw the bobcats.
"We've got young kids, so concern for that, and we have a family cat, so concern for that as well," said Hastie.
The animals can be bold, he says, which adds to the concern.
"Our cat was sitting at the window, his fur got big and he started growling, so he obviously wasn't very happy," he said.
"But I think he wouldn’t fare very well compared to the bobcats."
The cats have made their way onto the family's back deck, and weren't scared off when Hastie banged on the window.
"We’ve got two young kids, (age) four and seven, with them playing outside, a bit worried what could happen," he said.
They've asked the city to remove the animals, but were told there isn't much that can be done.
"Fish and Wildlife officers receive many reports of bobcat sightings each year. Officers will respond when there is a threat to public safety," read an emailed statement from the province.
"Bobcats are common in Calgary, where they feed mostly on rabbits, hares and other small mammals like mice and squirrels. When recreating outdoors, it is always a good idea to be aware of your surroundings and watch for urban wildlife, such as bobcats, coyotes and moose. While bobcats are generally not a threat to people, we would encourage people not to approach them and to give them plenty of space."
A wildlife map is available, showing where animals live and travel in Calgary.
Wildife encounters can be reported by calling 310-0000 or the 24-hour Report a Poacher line at 1-800-642-3800, which is monitored and Fish and Wildlife officers will respond as appropriate.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Widow looking for answers after Quebec man dies in Texas Ironman competition
The widow of a Quebec man who died competing in an Ironman competition is looking for answers.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
World seeing near breakdown of international law amid wars in Gaza and Ukraine, Amnesty says
The world is seeing a near breakdown of international law amid flagrant rule-breaking in Gaza and Ukraine, multiplying armed conflicts, the rise of authoritarianism and huge rights violations in Sudan, Ethiopia and Myanmar, Amnesty International warned Wednesday as it published its annual report.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
Amid concerns over 'collateral damage' Trudeau, Freeland defend capital gains tax change
Facing pushback from physicians and businesspeople over the coming increase to the capital gains inclusion rate, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his deputy Chrystia Freeland are standing by their plan to target Canada's highest earners.
U.S. Senate passes bill forcing TikTok's parent company to sell or face ban, sends to Biden for signature
The Senate passed legislation Tuesday that would force TikTok's China-based parent company to sell the social media platform under the threat of a ban, a contentious move by U.S. lawmakers that's expected to face legal challenges.
Wildfire southwest of Peace River spurs evacuation order
People living near a wildfire burning about 15 kilometres southwest of Peace River are being told to evacuate their homes.
U.S. Senate overwhelmingly passes aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan with big bipartisan vote
The U.S. Senate has passed US$95 billion in war aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, sending the legislation to President Joe Biden after months of delays and contentious debate over how involved the United States should be in foreign wars.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.