[faithfulFrank]

Thought some of you might like to see what was in my back yard of my Florida home the other day. The picture was taken by my neighbor, who walked across the street into our yard and just started snapping pics.

It is a wild bobcat, during the morning, and quite unafraid of anyone. It was just right in front of my back door on my patio. I've seen bobcats every so often, usually late at night, but not like this. And no, before anyone thinks or asks, we DO NOT feed or encourage any wildlife to interact with people. I think it was a pretty big one as bobcats go, this one was about 24" high on all fours. Anyway, I thought some folks would like to see it. We are not really "cat people", as my wife is allergic to cats, but this one was awesome to see pics of.....





Frank

[SoFLGal]

Wow! That's really cool! Thanks for sharing. We have bobcats in our neighborhood as well and my husband often sees them when walking the dogs early in the morning and late in the afternoon.

Aren't you up in the Orlando area?

[faithfulFrank]

Yes, we are about 1/2 hour northwest of Orlando.

Frank

[Ken E]

There seems to be an increase in bobcat activity up this way. They seem to thrive on the feral cats and smaller birds around here.That seems to be about the average size. Does he have a injured left front leg?

[faithfulFrank]

Ken, I could not say, as this picture was take one day after I returned to NY. I wish I was there!

Frank

[hiknapster]

Beautiful pics and incredibly awesome! I lived in Florida for 10 years, often in unpopulated areas, and never saw one. There seems to be an awful lot of sightings, lately.

[BlueWillowPlate]

Great photos!
I've seen them in northwest Florida, but never here on the northeast side, although many others have (I guess they swam or trotted across the bridge.)

[Sunny-Days-in-Florida]

You almost got me.

I thought it was a similar post like the one in the Sarasota forum then ending up being a bobcat ready to work on building a pool.

Awesome picture.

They are naturally moving around looking for more areas that will fit their habitat likes.

Many have been found in and near the Ocala National Forest which not that far from you Frank.

[annerk]

Great photos Frank! I think you live fairly close to me--I'm in Clermont but work in Tavares. I've seen fox and coyotes, but not bobcat. We've had several small dogs and cats taken from the neighborhood by coyotes.

I've got large dogs (80 pounds each) and everyone says they won't bother us, but still when I have to walk them after dark, I take a 4D cell Maglite with me--a good bonk on the head with that thing will send anything running away fast!

[faithfulFrank]

Yes Annerk, we are quite close.....and I really like the Clermont area. When I go shopping I often choose Clermont instead of other directions because it is quicker and a nicer drive.
I was down there just a few weeks ago, went to a great custard ice cream place on Rt 50. I also like the lowes there, etc.

As to the bobcat, I have seen a few others at night, but this was the first time that I know of that one was just standing on my patio. It's nice to know we still have some nice wildlife around, even with the developments...I'm still at awe of the sand hill cranes, etc....

Frank