This bobcat was recently seen in the Hugh Allen Drive area of Kamloops.
Image Credit: Facebook/Conservation Officer Service
February 18, 2021 - 12:00 PM
Another bobcat has been spotted in Kamloops, prompting the Conservation Officer Service to warn residents to keep their pets on a leash.
The bobcat was spotted in the Hugh Allan Drive area of Kamloops, according to the service's Facebook page, Feb. 16.
“(There has been a) higher-than-average number of lynx and bobcat sightings in the city this winter. Please remember to keep pets on a leash when outside and avoid leaving out attractants, such as pet food, that can be accessed by wild animals,” according to the service.
There have been no reports of pets being attacked by a bobcat, but it may become aggressive if approached by people or pets.
Since October 2020, residents have been reporting multiple sightings of bobcats and lynx and some have gathered a fair amount of social media attention.
READ MORE: Bobcat spotted out for a stroll in Kamloops
In a previous interview with iNFOnews, Kamloops conservation officer Rob Armstrong said an increase in urban poultry might be the reason for the spike of Kamloops wildcat sightings.
"Chickens are definitely on the menu for lynx, as are free-roaming house cats," he said.
The B.C. Wildlife Park has treated two lynx in the last few months.
"We are currently seeing a natural low cycle of rabbits and upland game birds in the Thompson region, which likely makes natural food sources a little tougher to come by," Armstrong said.
If they find a food source, bobcats and lynx will venture into town and will likely stay. To keep the wildcats safe, he asks residents to remove potential food sources.
Conservation officers are monitoring the bobcat and are asking the public to call in sightings to the Report All Poachers and Polluters line at 1-877-952-7277.
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