Potential relocation of a juvenile bobcat

[bschlinker]

We appear to have a young bobcat hanging around at our shop (NE Calgary) which I don't believe is a great location for the little fella. Called the City of Calgary but they won't do anything so wanted to reach out to AO community for a little advice.

Would you recommend just to leave him/her as is, or try to obtain an animal trap (live) and if we are able to catch him, relocate him back out in the foothills where he belongs. (If I go this route, would anyone have a mid-size live trap that I could borrow for a few days).

Appreciate everyone's thoughts/comments.

[Pointer man]

The city is full of them, they are all over the South end.

[Albertadiver]

Originally Posted by Pointer man

The city is full of them, they are all over the South end.

Also all over the place in the NW. Edgemont, Hawkwood, Charleswood, Brentwood, Dalhousie, etc.

Between them and the Coyotes seeing a lot less rabbits this year.

[gordfishing]

Originally Posted by Albertadiver

Also all over the place in the NW. Edgemont, Hawkwood, Charleswood, Brentwood, Dalhousie, etc.

Between them and the Coyotes seeing a lot less rabbits this year.

We had a bobcat with a damaged leg, not sure she is still around but have had a few sightings in Harvest Hills
A bobcat came within 10 feet and had not a care in the world
Rabbits and squirrels are still noticeable

[goldscud]

That bobcat missing a foot got killed by a car in Thorncliffe. She did well for a while on 3 legs

[ghostguy6]

Your best bet would be to call your local F&W office. I don't think you can legally trap a bobcat even to relocate it. They will likely come out and set up a trap for you.

[walking buffalo]

Lots of them downtown too.
Last one I saw was by the Harry Hays building in September.
I have one that comes to the front yard pond a few times a week.


Bobcats are doing better in the City than in the neighboring bush.

Let it be....

[bschlinker]

Thank you for the thoughts/comments and suggestions so far.

I just reached out to Fish & Wildlife / Environmental Area Office for Calgary to inquire further. I was told they unfortunately will not respond or set-up live traps for bobcats at this point in time. I inquired about the legalities if I was to attempt to trap and relocate, and was pleasantly surprised when I was told there is nothing in the regulations indicating this couldn't be done.

My first reaction would be to leave the bobcat as/is, especially if it was in a residential area and possibly closer to the city limits. My primary concern is that this is a high traffic commercial area beside an extremely busy main road with very limited space for the little guy, and I just don't envision a positive scenario if he isn't relocated.

I'll continue to ponder options but if anyone in the Calgary area does have a live trap they would lend out for a few days, pls. send me a PM. I'd love to see this guy relocated out to an area such as Kananaskis or thereabouts.

[Grizzly Adams1]

Originally Posted by bschlinker

Thank you for the thoughts/comments and suggestions so far.

I just reached out to Fish & Wildlife / Environmental Area Office for Calgary to inquire further. I was told they unfortunately will not respond or set-up live traps for bobcats at this point in time. I inquired about the legalities if I was to attempt to trap and relocate, and was pleasantly surprised when I was told there is nothing in the regulations indicating this couldn't be done.

My first reaction would be to leave the bobcat as/is, especially if it was in a residential area and possibly closer to the city limits. My primary concern is that this is a high traffic commercial area beside an extremely busy main road with very limited space for the little guy, and I just don't envision a positive scenario if he isn't relocated.

I'll continue to ponder options but if anyone in the Calgary area does have a live trap they would lend out for a few days, pls. send me a PM. I'd love to see this guy relocated out to an area such as Kananaskis or thereabouts.

Priness Auto carries inexpensive live traps, everyone should own one, catch the little buggar before he comes to harm and drop him off somewhere out of town.

[gramps73]

Originally Posted by goldscud

That bobcat missing a foot got killed by a car in Thorncliffe. She did well for a while on 3 legs

we got a new on already. this one is a little more brave but it is being fed in my back alley. Ive talked to the people feeding him and they don't care keep doing it.

[Bigwoodsman]

Originally Posted by bschlinker

Thank you for the thoughts/comments and suggestions so far.

I just reached out to Fish & Wildlife / Environmental Area Office for Calgary to inquire further. I was told they unfortunately will not respond or set-up live traps for bobcats at this point in time. I inquired about the legalities if I was to attempt to trap and relocate, and was pleasantly surprised when I was told there is nothing in the regulations indicating this couldn't be done.

My first reaction would be to leave the bobcat as/is, especially if it was in a residential area and possibly closer to the city limits. My primary concern is that this is a high traffic commercial area beside an extremely busy main road with very limited space for the little guy, and I just don't envision a positive scenario if he isn't relocated.

I'll continue to ponder options but if anyone in the Calgary area does have a live trap they would lend out for a few days, pls. send me a PM. I'd love to see this guy relocated out to an area such as Kananaskis or thereabouts.

Would the Calgary Zoo take a bobcat?

BW

[Grizzly Adams1]

Originally Posted by gramps73

we got a new on already. this one is a little more brave but it is being fed in my back alley. Ive talked to the people feeding him and they don't care keep doing it.

Next they wonder where their cats went ?

[walking buffalo]

Originally Posted by bschlinker

Thank you for the thoughts/comments and suggestions so far.

I just reached out to Fish & Wildlife / Environmental Area Office for Calgary to inquire further. I was told they unfortunately will not respond or set-up live traps for bobcats at this point in time. I inquired about the legalities if I was to attempt to trap and relocate, and was pleasantly surprised when I was told there is nothing in the regulations indicating this couldn't be done.

My first reaction would be to leave the bobcat as/is, especially if it was in a residential area and possibly closer to the city limits. My primary concern is that this is a high traffic commercial area beside an extremely busy main road with very limited space for the little guy, and I just don't envision a positive scenario if he isn't relocated.

I'll continue to ponder options but if anyone in the Calgary area does have a live trap they would lend out for a few days, pls. send me a PM. I'd love to see this guy relocated out to an area such as Kananaskis or thereabouts.

Take this lecture with good intention.
You need to hear some hard facts, and not let your heart cause more problems.

This idea brings up "do gooder" consequences.
Know the consequence of your actions.

You could be introducing the first bobcat to the area....
Kananaskis (and west of Calgary) is Lynx country, not Bobcat.
If you don't even know the habitat and native range of the species, don't be relocating live wildlife.

This cat grew up in the city.
It knows the city life.
With far fewer predators in the city, its survival is mostly based on its ability to avoid cars.
No different than domestic cats. When they know, they know.


If Bobcats weren't able to prosper in the city, there would be very few of them. And there are lots of them now.
Moving it to the country is much more likely to result in its early death than just leaving it alone.

Your good intentions are NOT good for this cat.
Just leave the cat alone.

[jef612]

Well said.
Best thing to do with wildlife is let it live wild. It may live or die in town - but so be it. That's the luck it was born with.

I read a study on coyotes once that showed the population density across urban/rural areas was not "significantly different". There were nearly the same densities in metropolitan areas as the adjoining countryside. Animals are amazingly adaptable. They find their niche and exploit it to the fullest.

I was asked once by a relative why they don't relocate problem bears "into the bush". Simple answer is the bush is full. If there was more food / habitat available - the bears would already be there through natural migration. So in essence - moving the bear doesn't save one - it likely condemns 2 to starvation or a fight for the available resources. Its an expensive trip for two Conservation officers to tranquilize, load, transport, revive and release an animal - only to have it die a month or two later. Makes no sense.

[Tungsten,]

The Bobcat is there because theirs Rabbits.Once the rabbits are gone\eaten it will move on.Excellent Rabbit control they are.

[Grizzly Adams1]

Originally Posted by Tungsten,

The Bobcat is there because theirs Rabbits.Once the rabbits are gone\eaten it will move on.Excellent Rabbit control they are.

You ever hear about the breeding rate of rabbits ? It's legendary.

[Tungsten,]

Originally Posted by Grizzly Adams1

You ever hear about the breeding rate of rabbits ? It's legendary.

Ha,well it may take the Bobcats awhile but have you ever seen how quick these cats are? Ive noticed less rabbits in my area.

[Big Sky]

Originally Posted by Tungsten,

Ha,well it may take the Bobcats awhile but have you ever seen how quick these cats are? Ive noticed less rabbits in my area.

Between the owls and the local bobcat, we don't have a lot of rabbits around.
One of the people on our block say they won't leave their yappy dog out in the yard, so it seems that the bobcat is providing a valuable community service.
Our local bobcat is pretty calm. I've been as close as about 10ft when I've walked around the corner of the garage. It looks at me, jumps up onto the fence and walks along the top over to the neighbour's yard. It's a beautiful animal.

Pic taken this spring. Distance was about 20 ft.