Beware of bobcat

Several residents have reported seeing a bobcat in Islesworth, especially around the north lake. One recent sighting was behind a house on Estella Terrace on the morning of Feb. 25, 2003. It undoubtedly is attracted by the abundance of bird life on the lake, including ducks, cormorants, egrets, herons and wood storks. 

The Islesworth HOA considered whether to hire a trapper to re-locate the animal, but rejected the idea because of the potentially high cost and the wide area that bobcats cover. 

In researching bobcats, various sources said that the occurrence of problems between humans and bobcats is very low, but the potential for conflict arises because the bobcats will occasionally prey on pets. 

One of the best ways to avoid conflict is not to feed house pets outdoors. Leaving cat or dog food outside can attract critters such as opossums, raccoons, skunks, rabbits and rodents, which in turn are preyed upon by bobcats.

Here are links to more information about bobcats:

• Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

• Florida Wildlife magazine article about bobcats

• Bobcat control: This link is from a company selling trapping products, etc., but it has a very informative write-up about bobcats.