Adorable Bobcat Sightings Charm Charleswood Residents
A northwest Calgary family recently captured a rare and delightful sight in their Charleswood backyard: baby bobcats at play. The young bobcats were observed wrestling and frolicking, offering a charming glimpse into the often-elusive world of urban wildlife. This encounter highlights a growing trend in Calgary, where bobcat sightings have more than doubled in recent years, particularly across the city’s northwest quadrant.
Once considered shy and reclusive, bobcats are increasingly adapting to Calgary’s urban landscape. Experts suggest this surge in sightings, which soared from an average of 1,000 to a steady 2,000 annually between 2018 and 2020, is due to successful reproduction, an abundance of prey like domestic rabbits and grey squirrels, and the animals’ increasing comfort with human infrastructure. This expansion has seen their presence extend beyond traditional habitats near Fish Creek Park into areas like north Calgary, including communities around Nose Hill.
The City of Calgary encourages residents to enjoy these wildlife moments responsibly. To ensure safety for both humans and animals, it is crucial to observe wildlife from a distance and never attempt to feed them. Residents are also reminded to secure garbage and pet food and report any non-emergency wildlife concerns to 311. As Calgary continues to grow, these interactions underscore the importance of maintaining ecological corridors and fostering coexistence with our wild neighbours.
