Neighbor called to say we have a bob cat!

[McChooky]

You mentioned living by a creek. So do I. They're likely following along the creek for water and to look for any easy prey to nab, so best to keep your flock contained for the time being. We've had at least 3 bobcat sightings (2 I saw, 1 was spotted by my in laws) but none of them have tested the run fence or caused any problems thus far. As I have larger dogs (35, 65, and an Anatolian mix at 90 lbs) we let the bigger dogs out to chase off intruders when possible.

Thank you! My chickens have only free ranged a couple months and been contained 3 years in secure runs.They're used to being locked up .I just hate it for them.

 

[Chipmunk Chicks]

https://www.ohgardening.com/can-i-shoot-a-fox-that-is-killing-my-chickens/

Well this article started off okay, but it's clearly written by AI and gets a little silly. If a fox is attacking your flock, the easiest thing is to move the coop 5 miles away????" But in all seriousness, you can totally shoot an animal that's harmed your flock. Best to have a permit for your weapon, as required and if anyone asks, you say it was threatening your property, plain and simple.

Back when we still were free ranging our flock as well, DH took a fox for me that had taken two of our pullets, and was trying to come back for more. He stayed in the basement, out of view of the neighbors, and used a bow so it was quiet. Never have I been more proud!

We have had times too when there were hawks actively hunting in my yard, we definitely kept the chickens on a shorter leash and it seems like they moved along. Hopefully if you can keep your birds contained for a few days, the threat will blow over. . I get it though, I do so love to see them range. It's tough. I'd make your calls to alert the local wildlife people, seems sensible, but I would probably have some kind of reinforcements at the ready as well, just in case the situation were to go live. Keep us updated!

 

[McChooky]

I live in Central Arkansas. I understand what your going through. I've had a couple foxes driving me bonkers for months. I have 2 security cameras and have caught him numerous times. In AR you have to have to have a permit...not a reason to trap take coyotes, fox, or Bobcat In a season. If they are threatening my property im still "Unable" to just shoot them unfortunately. Winkwink

I've been told they won't leave until they're shot which I can't bring myself to do.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I've been told they won't leave until they're shot which I can't bring myself to do.

Probably depends on how accustomed they are to humans. The ones in my area avoid confrontation and move along. Raccoons on the other hand will try to stare us down and gauge if we really mean it or not.

 

[Chipmunk Chicks]

I've been told they won't leave until they're shot which I can't bring myself to do.

I don't blame you. This is what husbands are for! Lol but I mean really, hopefully you can keep your animals safe inside for several days, and wildlife management will handle it in the meantime. Just because they haven't harmed an animal or person yet obviously doesn't mean they won't, and a bobcat is a whole other animal from a fox. I wouldn't want to mess with it either. And obviously they are beautiful in their own right, just don't need them getting too close to the humans.

 

[McChooky]

My brothers asking a lot of questions on how to get rid of it .He's got 30-40 small goats.

Probably depends on how accustomed they are to humans. The ones in my area avoid confrontation and move along. Raccoons on the other hand will try to stare us down and gauge if we really mean it or not.

They usually avoid coming close to our houses esp during the day.A lot of hunters live nearby too so its probably wary of people.

 

[WhiteCollarWeezy]

I understand. Killing an animal for doing whats natural for them is terrible to an extent.

I've been told they won't leave until they're shot which I can't bring myself to do.

Or a larger predator takes its "territory". Which won't be good for your flock either. Glad u have them tucked away. I have guineas that roost way way up in a walnut tree by barn. They are annoying but a great alarm system.

 

[McChooky]

A large bob cat was recorded on a game camera 2 miles from here a month ago ( a large male) This could be the same one. I'll keep mine locked up so he'll hunt someplace else.

 

[Evadig]

I've had this eerie feeling somethings been watching my chickens and geese all week so I've been letting them out late and locking them up earlier than usual. I've also been spending more time with them outside and looking for clues in case anything was around. My chickens have only been laying 1/2 the # eggs they usually lay, my geese are trying to sleep in the run instead of the coop, my dogs have all but stopped going outside except to potty and I heard twigs snapping in the woods above the yard where the chickens free range a couple times but both times it went silent afterward. Well today my neighbor called to say he received a phone alert that showed a bob cat was drinking from the creek beside his house so I guess I know now what that uneasy feeling was and why. I'm hoping my neighbor will send me a picture later and if he does I'll post it here.For now my chickens and geese are in lock down until we figure out what to do about this bob cat.(He lives less than 150 feet from me and the creek is closer to my house)

You gave me a great inspiration for a story ! Sorry about the bobcat though. That is awful! I would have all my animals in the basement by now!

 

[Krugerrand]

Amazing how perceptive our instincts can be.

Good luck!