Bobcat sighting

[Dr. Dan]

As my daughter and son-in-law were outside at dusk tonight sitting in our front yard at Piper’s Point, a large Bobcat emerged from the bushes, gave us a long and unhurried look before departing across our back yard. I have seen other Bobcats in the wild and this was was HUGE but definitely had the classic tail. Very dark coat. Beautiful!

[Slickcraft]

Welcome to the forum Dr.

Yes some of the local bobcats are pretty big. Lots of turkey to feed on.

[Dr. Dan]

Interesting observation on the turkey population. We counted 46 chicks from several large broods while hiking on top of Rattlesnake just a month ago. But how do these big birds survive these winters around here? Surely they are easy prey on the ground. If they roost in trees (which I know they do in the south), how in the world don’t they freeze to death!
Thanks for the welcome!
Dan
Pipers Point

[Hillcountry]

Originally Posted by Dr. Dan

Interesting observation on the turkey population. We counted 46 chicks from several large broods while hiking on top of Rattlesnake just a month ago. But how do these big birds survive these winters around here? Surely they are easy prey on the ground. If they roost in trees (which I know they do in the south), how in the world don’t they freeze to death!
Thanks for the welcome!
Dan
Pipers Point

Yes, they roost in trees here in NH too. More often than not, in hardwood trees. Being as wary as they are in the wild, I have to believe they do this to avoid predators. Wild animals don’t get cold like we humans do as they’re built to survive extreme cold. I often think of the ones that brave northern winters like deer, moose, turkeys and others, and I wonder how in hell they can stand being out in below zero weather and howling winds...they use the contours of the land and sunny or sheltered slopes to avoid the harshest conditions. Think of
A duck or goose standing on ice for hours then slipping into frigid waters for a swim and a bite to eat...impossible for them to feel cold.

[ApS]

Originally Posted by Dr. Dan

As my daughter and son-in-law were outside at dusk tonight sitting in our front yard at Piper’s Point, a large Bobcat emerged from the bushes, gave us a long and unhurried look before departing across our back yard. I have seen other Bobcats in the wild and this was was HUGE but definitely had the classic tail. Very dark coat. Beautiful!

By "classic tail", I assume you meant classic short tail!

For cat owners, you might appreciate the YouTube video--featuring a Bobcat-vs-housecat encounter. In one video, the housecat simply stares the Bobcat down, who turns away and stalks off.

Another Bobcat is stalking Canada Geese.

Other videos suggest it's best to keep your housecats indoors.

[ApS]

These folks saved a Bobcat from the day the little kitten opened its eyes.

It lived 21 years as a domesticated [Bob] cat. The long story appears in the comments section.

https://youtu.be/ecFukIIXWyA