OKLAHOMA CITY –
Unusual bobcat sightings in several Oklahoma City neighborhoods are catching residents by surprise.
Some of these sightings were near Northwest Oklahoma City, near 122nd and Rockwell.
“I do worry because I have three dogs. Two of them are really little. One of them is a bit bigger so I try not to keep them out there too long,” said Preston Hills resident Michelle Arzaga Kooy.
Erik Meyer, who also lives in the neighborhood, said he has had three cats killed, and it could have been from a bobcat.
“That’s got to be the only answer because we found one of them not so good a shape and it took a bigger animal to get that one,” added Meyer.
Many people think of bobcats as living in the wilderness or out in the woods, said Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation Spokesperson Micah Holmes.
He said it is not uncommon to spot one in the middle of the city.
“Bobcats are very adaptable. They can live around people. They’re very secretive,” said Holmes.
Here is what to know:
Bobcats are native to Oklahoma and live in all 77 counties.They prey on rodents, mice, rats, birds, rabbits, and cats.Bobcats find areas where there are bigger yards and creeks running through.Bobcats are more afraid of humans than we are of them and will do their best to stay away from you.If you have cats, it is best to keep them inside.Bobcats are nocturnal which means they are active early mornings and during sunsets.
The Department of Wildlife Conservation said the population of bobcats is not on the rise and there is no need to report them if you encounter one.