Bobcats are the smallest of Alberta’s wild cats, and are about twice the size of a domestic cat. They are an important part of Calgary’s ecosystems and the biodiversity of Calgary’s Parks.
Where are bobcats in Calgary?
Bobcats live in habitats where the snow is shallower, and they can be found all the way south to the Mexican border. With more people heading outdoors during the pandemic, sightings in the city increased. Calgary also has a wealth of green habitats and prairie hares, which together likely help their numbers grow.
How many bobcats are there in Calgary?
According to statistics from the City of Calgary, bobcat sightings from March of this year are almost double what they were in March 2021. There were 114 in 2021 and 223 in 2022. Calgary naturalist Brian Keating loves documenting these animals in the wild.
What to do if you see a bobcat in Calgary?
Non-emergency wildlife sightings, including bobcats
Call 3-1-1 or report online. Alberta Environment and Parks, Fish & Wildlife.
Where do bobcats live in Alberta?
southern Alberta
They are distinguishable by their black tufted ears, dark markings, and of course their short “bobbed” tails. These felines can be found in southern Alberta, and range over a variety of different habitats such as riparian woodlands, coniferous forests, broadleaf forests, swamps, and even suburban areas.
Does Calgary have bobcats or lynx?
Bobcats are the smallest of Alberta’s wild cats, and are about twice the size of a domestic cat. They are an important part of Calgary’s ecosystems and the biodiversity of Calgary’s Parks.
Does Calgary have cougars?
A cougar has been spotted in Fish Creek Provincial Park in Calgary. On Monday, Alberta Parks issued a cougar warning for the Votier’s Flats and Shannon Terrace Day Use Areas.
Are there wolves in Calgary?
Wolves can live anywhere there is enough prey, a safe site to den and little interference from people. In Alberta, wolves are found in mountain, foothill and boreal regions. Wolves are not considered rare or endangered in the province.
What to do if you see a bobcat?
If you notice a coyote or bobcat in your area, never let it go by without scaring it. Yell or clap loudly to scare wildlife away; carry something with you to make noise, i.e. an air horn, or something to throw, like a rock or baseball.
Is there grizzly bears in Calgary?
Alberta is home to two bear species, the black bear (Ursus americanus) and the grizzly bear (Ursus arctos horribilis).
Should I worry about a bobcat in my yard?
Any backyard nature enthusiast should welcome the presence of bobcats. Unlike many animals that become urban neighbors, bobcats don’t require you to change your habits (other than not put out poison). The bobcat secretly goes about its ways, remaining as wild as it was in the deepest forest.
How can you tell if a bobcat is around?
Other bobcat sign includes scrapes and beds. Bobcats will make scrapes to cover up scat or as an independent scent marking. These scrapes can be either uni-directional, with one long scrape ending in a pile, or multi-directional with the pile in the middle of several paw marks (see photo).
What attracts bobcats to your property?
What Attracts Them?
- Food may include birds, rodents, rabbits, small unattended pets, poultry or other domestic birds, and other small livestock.
- Water in pools, birdbaths, fountains, and pets’ water dishes can attract bobcats.
- Shelter for bobcats can include rooftops, attics, patios, and the space underneath decks.
What do bobcats eat in Calgary?
Bobcats feed mostly on rabbits, hares and other small mammals like mice and squirrels. Bobcats are the smallest of Alberta’s wild cats – about twice the size of a domestic cat.
How rare is it to see a bobcat?
Least concern. Bobcats are elusive and nocturnal, so they are rarely spotted by humans. Although they are seldom seen, they roam throughout much of North America and adapt well to such diverse habitats as forests, swamps, deserts, and even suburban areas.
What to do if a bobcat is in your backyard?
Minimize Encounters
- Immediately protect children and pets.
- Back away from the bobcat slowly and deliberately.
- Avoid running away because that could trigger a pursuit response.
- If possible, spray the animal with water.
- When possible make a lot of noise (banging pans, for instance, or blowing an air horn)
What wild animals are in Calgary?
What to do if you see a wild animal
- Coyotes. Coyotes are common in Calgary.
- Deer fawns. These animals are usually seen in June.
- Badgers. Badgers are largely solitary and nocturnal in their habitats, and are not violent.
- Porcupines.
- Richardson’s ground squirrel (Gopher)
- Beavers.
- Bats.
- Black-billed Magpies.
How do you tell a lynx from a bobcat?
Both lynx and bobcats belong to the same Lynx genus. Bobcats are the smallest cats in the species with stubby tails and distinct dark strips on the forelegs and tail. Lynx are larger and have a tuft of dark hair on the tips of their ears. Lynx have longer legs and bigger paws.
Does Calgary have coyotes?
Coyotes are living and thriving in Calgary – and that’s a good thing. Urban coyotes help control populations of other wildlife (especially rodents), from becoming problematic. Coyotes are the top predator in Calgary’s wildlife.
Are there tigers in Calgary?
Meet Our Amur Tigers
Come catch a glimpse of our tigers: Sarma and Youri.
Are there moose in Calgary?
What To Do If You See The Herd. A pair of moose have been spotted wandering around Calgary’s southwest neighborhoods of Aspen Woods and Strathcona Park in recent days.