Bobcat Alerts
Our local Bobcat has been seen around Temple and Rundle, and seems to have moved into Whitehorn most recently. We’ll be sharing any sightings reported to us on the map below. Please remember, this beautiful cat IS A WILD ANIMAL. They are not normally aggressive, but as always, never approach a wild animal.
If you see the Bobcat, please send us the sighting information (form below) and we will log it on the map. And please also let your neighbours know, as they may not be aware.
- Bobcats are predators; they normally thrive on a diet of mice, birds, squirrels and rabbits but small quarry is fair game; they’re OPPORTUNISTIC HUNTERS and HIGHLY ADAPTABLE.
- In the wild, they’re usually shy and most active at sunrise/sunset BUT since they adapt easily, they can lose their fear of people and city noises when living in urban areas and become active at any time of day. This one has been around for a couple months at least, and explored a fair bit of The Properties. It’s obviously active during the day too. Best to treat it like a really good looking neighbour you prefer to discourage from dropping in 😉
- If you are seeing it around your property frequently, make sure it hasn’t made a den for kittens nearby. Kittens are usually born April through June and moms often use open spaces under decks, sheds, debris piles, and even trees and shrubs as dens. Kittens can stay with mom for up to a year as well.
- Keep an eye on your small pets when outside because this bobcat looks like they could take on a small dog or house cat easily; even if it doesn’t want to eat them, it could be protecting a den of kittens and easily harm or kill your pet if it feels threatened. Wild animals gonna wild 🤷♀️
- If there’s no kittens but you’re still encountering it on your property, ensure it has a simple escape route, don’t block exits. If it’s still not leaving, you can try spraying it with a garden hose.
- Don’t feed wildlife, don’t leave pet food outside, make sure your garbage is properly stored and contained… kind of no brainers really – pretty much anything that will draw vermin, will draw wildlife that eats said vermin.
- Keep your trees, shrubs, and grass trimmed so there’s no easy shelter for them to hide in
- Close off open spaces around decks and outbuildings (honestly, this helps with skunks too).
- Pick up your dog poop (ok fine, this more of an invitation for coyotes, but they’re also around here (and more aggressive) so it still applies – guys, just be good neighbours and pick up your dog poop. We will all thank you for it.
- Relocation doesn’t usually work. If they like the area, they’ll either try to come back or another will take its place. Let’s face it, with the bunny population around here, this Bobcat probably considers The Properties an all you can eat buffet.
Bobcats are considered non-emergency wildlife by both the City of Calgary and Alberta Fish and Wildlife Enforcement. For non-emergency sightings or concerns, you may call
- The City of Calgary via 3-1-1 or you can report it online via the 311 App or the Online Service Request Portal
- Alberta Fish & Wildlife at (403) 297-6423 (Option 2) or 1-800-642-3800 (after hours)