Bobcat Found Lounging in Arizona Homeowner's Dog Bed

(MENAFN) A homeowner in San Manuel, Arizona, returned from work to find a surprise visitor in their dog's bed. Instead of their furry pet, a bobcat was lounging in the bed. The homeowner quickly snapped a photo of the unexpected guest and shared it with the Arizona Game and Fish Department, which later shared the image on Twitter, urging residents not to handle wildlife themselves.

The bobcat is believed to have entered the home through the unlocked doggie door. Although officers from the department arrived at the scene, the bobcat had already escaped. These animals pose a threat to small pets like dogs and birds, and their presence in residential areas can be alarming.

Bobcats, with their tan coats and dark spots, resemble small mountain lions and are common in all areas of Arizona. They are frequently found in the Sonoran desert but can also be seen in the outskirts of towns and cities where they can find food. The Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute reports that bobcats live in many different habitats across the U.S., including northern forests, coastal swamps in the Southeast, and deserts in the Southwest. The International Society for Endangered Cats Canada notes that bobcats can be found in every U.S. state except Delaware.

While hunting this species is regulated and they are protected in ten states, bobcats are often hunted for their skins. The loss of their habitats, as well as being killed by farmers and ranchers, is their primary threat, according to the society. In Arizona, they can be hunted with a valid hunting license.

Bobcats typically grow to be the size of a small to medium dog, ranging from 12 to 30 pounds and up to 24 inches tall and 36 inches long. They are mostly active during sunrise or sunset and are often found in backyards where they can find food like birds, rodents, and small pets. Bobcats are usually solitary animals, but they can travel with their families and mates. They defend about 12-square-mile territories and are territorial by nature. They often return to the same areas, even if captured and relocated, so removing things that attracted them to an area, like food, is crucial to preventing their return.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department advises residents not to panic if they see bobcats near their homes, as they typically do not attack people. However, a bobcat with rabies may attack. If a bobcat appears to be hyperactive or bites a person, there is cause for concern, and animal control or the fish and game department should be contacted. In case of an attack, fighting back is advised.

Homeowners should keep small pets inside or on leashes while outside, even in enclosed yards, as bobcats can jump up to 12 feet and over fences. The department also recommends not feeding the animals as it may make them too comfortable around humans.

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