Backyard Bobcat (Lynx rufus)
I badly need a fast (bright aperture) longer lens such as the Sony FE 135mm f/1.8 GM, but I pressed the Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM into service tonight, along with a handheld flashlight.
I’ll be very sad if this bobcat eats my prized feline friend Tigger, but Tigger is a feral cat who survived alone for over a year before we took him in. He’s as alert and skilled as any bobcat, but this apparently juvenile bobcat is about 50% larger which would make it ~15 pounds (Tigger’s summer weight is 10.3 pounds). But I’ve sighted another somewhat larger bobcat twice in recent weeks (the mother?), both times in the middle of the day. It would make sense that this one is a juvenile of 8 months or so.
Look at those paws! The rear ones make it look like a rabbit, which of course is a favorite prey for bobcats and for Tigger.
Leo G writes:
Bobby is stalking Tigger! That’s why he was relaxed … stalking. He knows he has a prey there. He just has to wait. The look on his face is the clue. He is working. Under the circumstances I’d do two things: make Bobby uncomfortable when you see him. Noise, flashlight, even water hose. Try to get Tigger to use a litter box and stay in at night.
DIGLLOYD: that makes me unhappy. Tigger is still very much a wild cat outdoors, and no housecat and never seen a litter box and a very strong hunting instinct, particularly at night.