A bobcat was found lounging in a dog bed in a San Manuel, Arizona home by the homeowner after returning from work. It’s believed the animal entered the home through an unlocked doggie door. The homeowner snapped a photo of the bobcat and shared it on social media. The Arizona Game and Fish Department later posted the photo on Twitter, advising residents not to handle wildlife themselves.
Although officers with the department did arrive at the scene, the bobcat had already escaped. These animals are known to be dangerous to small pets like dogs and birds, but are common in all areas of Arizona, including the Sonoran desert and the outskirts of towns and cities.
According to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, bobcats live in many different habitats across the United States, from northern forests to coastal swamps in the Southeast and deserts in the Southwest. They’re protected in 10 states, where hunting this species is regulated. However, habitat loss and hunting remain major threats to bobcats.
While bobcats are generally not aggressive towards humans, they can become dangerous if they have rabies or are cornered. The department advises people to keep small pets protected inside or on leashes while outside, as even an enclosed yard is not always safe. They also advise against feeding these animals, as it could make them too comfortable with humans.
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