Bobcat living in my attic and seems very happy (Phoenix: rent, house)

[Elna Rae]

Recently purchased a home in Pinnacle Peak and unfortunately no one caught the fact that we have a freeloading tenant living in the attic. Really surprised the home inspector didn’t catch on that maybe, just maybe the 30 or so 3” inch-long hair-covered turds on the roof meant something. It’s getting access from our roof under an eve.

So far we’ve been referred to all the usual suspects but we have no intentions of having Az Game & Fish, Southwest Conservation, pest bounty hunter, bobcats-r-us, or anyone else up on our roof breaking clay tiles because they’re more concerned with a pest than a person’s property. However, it is getting quite old hearing a 35 lb animal marauding around in our attic at all hours of the day and night.

Looking for something passive like ultrasonic or a taser. Lol. Seriously, I don’t want rabies or get my a$$ handed to me by a cat but I would like to deal with this myself. It’s a beautiful animal that we don’t want to see harmed but I won’t lie; it would make a handsome little rug.

For the people tempted to exclaim “but they were here first”... until a critter starts paying rent or qualifies as a loving pet, they’re not welcome in my home. Also, we have small dogs that we don’t want eaten. If that happens there is little doubt what this predator’s short-term future will look like.

Can’t tell from my awful photo but the creature had a taunting smile on its face when I got the pic.

Thanks in advance for suggestions and criticism.

[BeerGeek40]

Revolver.

[Elna Rae]

Originally Posted by BeerGeek40

Revolver.

Too afraid of friendly fire. 12 ga would be my choice if I felt threatened.

[WSPHXPELON]

Idk if they would do it, but maybe contact Phoenix Zoo and tell them they can have the animal if they can safely remove it from your house. That way you don't have to pay anything, and the animal is not killed, and you make a positive donation to society.

[locolife]

Originally Posted by WSPHXPELON

Idk if they would do it, but maybe contact Phoenix Zoo and tell them they can have the animal if they can safely remove it from your house. That way you don't have to pay anything, and the animal is not killed, and you make a positive donation to society.

I second this except suggest the Wildlife World Zoo as another backup, nearly all the animals they have on site are pulled in from exotic pet collectors world wide who could no longer care for them as they grew up.

[veritased]

Wait, what kind of big hole do you have that allows this animal access to your attic ? I am pretty sure there is no building science that dictated that design feature.

I read studies that showed those ultrasonic things have absolutely zero effect on any living creature. All they do is sucker desperate buyers with what they want to hear.If you can bait it out, then close up that entry point ?

[KO Stradivarius]

He looks marvelous. I would like to think that you could get some professionals out there who won't damage your house and help you trap him humanely. I doubt if the typical "Pests R Us" guys who treat for scorpions, bugs, etc would have the expertise but there certainly must be some options besides Animal Control.

[cjseliga]

It looks like the University of Arizona mascot!

[Elna Rae]

Originally Posted by veritased

Wait, what kind of big hole do you have that allows this animal access to your attic ? I am pretty sure there is no building science that dictated that design feature.

I read studies that showed those ultrasonic things have absolutely zero effect on any living creature. All they do is sucker desperate buyers with what they want to hear. If you can bait it out, then close up that entry point ?

I ordered an ultrasonic gismo out of desperation; still waiting for it. Mr. Bobcat will probably laugh at that like he/she did my cat mace. All that did was repel me. Speaking of she... baiting it and getting it away from the roof giving me time to close up the hole would be an option except when it paws and scratches above our family room for hours it makes me think it may have a litter on the way, or worse yet already there. However I would guess we'd hear them if that were true?

[KurtAZ]

While that is pretty stinkin AWESOME to have a bobcat living with you, I totally get the annoyance and I would be worried what kind of damage it is doing to your attic. Maybe lure it out someway and seal up the hole? I doubt Fish and Game would tear up your roof getting the animal out...no one wants to tear into a bobcat den...they get pretty territorial.

Maybe a cat trap and some lure? Lure