Last month I had the girls out and was at the top of the driveway with my three golden retrievers in the early evening. Bobcat comes running across my driveway and on a dead run grabs one of the girls and is gone. I couldn't believe it the dogs didn't even see it. Anyway, a week later I had to split up two muscovy drakes that were fighting and I was putting one in with the chickens. I had the chickens out for maybe all of three minutes, went into the shed to get fresh food and right behind the shed it got another girl. I am so tired of preditors this year. I let the dogs off the electronic fence and sent them after the cat. Sunshine brings back one sad snapped off chicken leg within minutes. Needless to say, it's been full lockdown ever since and I think the chickens and ducks are really getting tired of being locked up. DH spotted it last night and had a clear shot, but forgot the safety was on. I think I saw a kit bobcat crossing the road in front of my car tonight, about half the size of the other one and about 1/4 mile from my place. I suspect it may be a momma with one or more teens. I need to know what to do. I think I have read that they have certain rounds that they take. Would the kits be able to survive on their own now? Do they have a schedule? It's getting colder here now, will they be moving on soon or do we need to consider SSS? Sorry about so many questions, please help. Love wildlife and the country, but I love my critters too, and they are MY responsibility to protect.
Have had the same thing happen - have lost 14 chickens in all to our resident bobcat. I've only seen it once - as it ran off with one of my girls. I've chosen to simply keep my chickies in a run unless I'm out with them and near them (I was about 150 yards from them when it took the one). I'll sit and read the paper or a book or do some yard work while they're out; when I'm done, back in they go. I've chosen not to do anything about the bobcat because I think they are beautiful creatures and I don't feel right about killing something that is only trying to survive. If it began wanton killing, then I would have to re-think my decision. But as long as the girls are in their run, it has left them alone. You will have to come to your own decision, but before you do anything, check with the laws about shooting/trapping them. Good luck with keeping your girls safe. Liz
I'm OK on the SSS where I am as long as I am protecting my property or I feel my life is in danger. This daring animal (although beautiful and I respect it) has taken one hen not 25' in front of my eyes and with the dogs there and then the other not 15' feet from me although I was in the shed. Both in broad daylight. The girls are locked up and will continue to be, but will this critter move on or will I be stuck with it and/or it's little ones for life?
I would do whatever I had to for protection of my chickens. SSS all the way. I couldn't be there 24/7, so I would keep the trap set up at all times, but I would make sure, if I could that the problem would be tended to. I'm not sure if we have the same kind of wildcat. I never heard anyone in my area call it anything, but the French term used here. I only saw one alive once. Its just a big cat....go get it. And about the kits.....you only going to have to worry about them in a few months, when they follow in mom's footsteps.
Find out the laws regarding bobcats where you live. They are considered furbearing animals in some places and come under fish and game laws. Once you know what the laws are you can make a more informed decision. If they are protected by law and you can't get the game folks to help you out then don't advertise illegal activities.
Thank you Dacjohns, I understand. As I said, I have already confirmed these issues in my area. Just need advise on the questions regarding the cats and if they will leave or if not, what is the ethical moral thing to do.
Leg trap with the appropriate bait, then disposal. Ethical and moral is up to you, but after all it is your property. The bobcat does not care one whit...
Quote:That's what I get for reading too fast. I didn't realize you had already checked the legalities. Bobcats are fairly territorial and I believe the males have a larger range than the females. They will often be seen in the same area and will follow a pattern of movement. The kits should be learning how to hunt by now but they might stay with the mother until the next litter comes. I would expect them to stick around, they aren't really migratory. Here a couple of urls for bobcat information. http://www.sdnhm.org/fieldguide/mammals/lynx-ruf.html https://www.uwsp.edu/wildlife/carnivore/Bobcat Natural History_files/Bobcat Natural History.htm
The females are very territorial. I'd also say coil/leg trap. Probably want to scent it as well: http://www.inheatscents.net/bobcat.html The population just to the west of here is flushing (haven't crossed the 170 bridge over the Missouri in the past few months that I haven't seen a road killed BC).
