SUNRISE, Fla. – A rare, big cat was spotted in the backyard of a woman’s home in Sunrise last week.
Homeowner Shari Lamadore told Local 10 News she was standing near the sliding glass door of her home along the 4300 block of Northwest 120th Lane when she came across a bobcat prancing around their backyard on Feb 8. at 11:15 p.m.
Bobcats are about twice the size of a domestic cat. They are stealthy and secretive, but this one seemed to be enjoying the view and outside decor.
The bobcat eventually took off running, but not before it was caught on camera.
“I had to post it because it was incredible,” Lamadore said. “She came right up stopped right here and looked right in, I pointed at her, and she took off.”
Bobcats in Florida come in colors ranging from tan with no spots, to gray with bold spots, and in some rare cases — black, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Lamadore told Local 10 News that she is no stranger to wildlife in her backyard, as she has previously spotted squirrels, coyotes, an otter, and even the occasional crook checking car doors in the neighborhood.
“I don’t know if it is the same one,” said Lamadore when asked if she’s seen the bobcat before. “I haven’t seen more than one at the same time it is a beautiful creature.”
While the exotic creature has become quite a sight to see, it does pose some concerns for people living in the area.
“I thought of people walking their animals at night because the bobcat would come anywhere from 9 at night to 3 in the morning,” Lamadore said.
Lamadore says she has since taken precautions placing small containers of wolf urine to stop the animals from coming so close.
Neighbors say they will be on the lookout for the amazing creatures that can too be dangerous. Lamadore is hopeful something will eventually be done to keep the animal that is rarely seen out in the wild away from residents and people who visit the area.
Authorities said they are active mostly at night and are very common, though they are rarely seen by people. Bobcats are generally shy and will try to stay out of human sight.
Still, they are relatively common residents in suburban neighborhoods, and it is not unusual to see them at night or during the day.
The FWC recommends removing or securing the main foods bobcats eat such as small livestock (poultry, rabbits, goat kids, lambs), pet food left outside, bird feeders, feral cat colonies, and sometimes garbage.
Florida’s residents are encouraged to stay inside if they see a bobcat or wild animal and can call the Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922 to report a wildlife violation or emergency.