Our Preserves

Have you seen the DSV Bobcat Kittens? Some homeowners have expressed concerns about safety. Below is a note from our board member, Leo Kissing, addressing these concerns.

Questions & Concerns

Florida Wildlife Commission: 888-404-3922
Website: MyFWC.com

Bobcat Facts & Safety Information

Bobcats are beneficial to the ecosystem because they help control populations of rodents, rabbits, and other small animals.

Attacks on humans are extremely rare. Bobcats are naturally timid and solitary animals with an innate fear of humans. They do not initiate contact unless they are cornered, provoked, or habituated to human presence. It is also very unlikely for a bobcat to attack a person walking a leashed dog.

Although bobcats are primarily nocturnal, it is not uncommon to see them during the day while hunting or foraging, especially during spring and summer when they have young to care for. Simply seeing a bobcat in daylight does not indicate that it is sick, aggressive, or rabid.

To prevent issues with bobcats, it's essential to secure any attractants and take steps to deter them from becoming too comfortable around homes and domestic animals.

Bobcats are territorial animals. Removing one will not prevent another from occupying the same area in the future. There are approximately 350,000 bobcats in Florida.

Precautions

• Always walk your dog on a leash.
• Ensure your pets are up to date on vaccinations.
• Do not leave pets unattended.
• Avoid allowing cats to roam freely.
• Never encourage your pets to interact with wild animals.
• Remove food sources (e.g., bird seed, unused pet food, fallen fruit) to avoid attracting predators.
• Avoid brushy areas or paths near abandoned properties.
• If you see a bobcat near your home, don’t hesitate to scare it away by yelling, clapping, banging pots, or throwing a rock. This helps maintain their natural fear of humans.

I personally love seeing the balance of nature: birds, rabbits, squirrels, and bobcats!