Bobcats in the Community

There have been a surge in bobcat sightings this year in Calgary, leaving many residents fearing for the safety of their pets. I would like to share some helpful tips on how to prevent bobcats from coming to your property, as well as some background information on co-existing with bobcats and where to turn to for help if you are concerned for your own safety or the safety of others.

Co-existing with Bobcats

Bobcats are the smallest of Alberta’s wild cats, and are about twice the size of a domestic cat. They are an important part of Calgary’s ecosystems and the biodiversity of Calgary’s Parks. 

Bobcats are highly adaptable, and if living in or near human development, they may lose their fear of people and the noises of the city. These bobcats may also learn to become more active at any time of the day, whereas bobcats in the wild are only typically active during sunrise and sunset.

It is extremely unlikely that a bobcat will attack a human. These predatory cats feed mostly on rabbits, hares, and other small mammals, such as mice and squirrels.

What to do if you Encounter a Bobcat

In the city: 

• Bobcats are opportunistic hunters. Keep cats indoors and supervise small dogs when they are in the yard, as they may be vulnerable.

On your property:

• Keep cats indoors and supervise small dogs.
• Dogs, rabbits or other animals that live outdoors should be kept in a secure enclosure with a strong roof.  
• Remove food, shelter or water that may attract them to your property.  
• Close off areas under decks and outbuildings. Add motion detector lighting to walkways and driveways.  
• If there are no kittens, be sure the bobcat has an escape route – open gates on your property and do not block its exit. The bobcat will leave in its own time. 
• Trapping and relocating a bobcat several kilometers away is NOT an effective method of removing a bobcat from your property. Bobcats typically try to return to their original territories, often getting hit by a car or killed by a predator in the process. In many cases, moving bobcats will not solve the original problem because other bobcats will replace them and cause similar conflicts. 
• The best solution is to make your property unattractive to wildlife by following these following tips. 

How to Prevent Bobcats from Coming to Your Property

• To prevent conflict with bobcats, remove the food, shelter or water that may attract them to your property.
• Do not feed wildlife.
• Keep your garbage in containers with tight-fitting lids.
• Put your garbage and recycling out only on the morning of collection, not earlier.
• Do not leave pet food outdoors. 
• Remove bird feeders and bird baths so bobcats are not drawn into your yard to prey on the birds. 
• Trees, shrubs and even grass should be kept trimmed so there is no shelter for bobcats to hide in. Spaces under decks and outbuildings should be closed off for the same reason. 
• Add motion detector lighting to walkways and driveways. 
• Dogs, rabbits or other animals that live outdoors should be kept in a secure enclosure with a strong roof.

Who to Call

The Alberta Fish and Wildlife offices receive many reports of bobcat sightings each year. Officers will respond when there is a threat to public safety. Call Fish and Wildlife if you are concerned for your own safety or the safety of others:

• Calgary office (403-297-6423).
• Alberta Report a Poacher line (1-800-642-3800).

Tell The City about your sighting by contacting 311. Wildlife sightings help us make better choices about land management. 

For more information on co-existing with bobcats, please visit  www.alberta.ca/bobcats.aspx.

*Photo Source: CBC News