Bobcat sighting in Stamford prompts safety message from animal expert
Zoologist Jim Knox, of the Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport, says bobcats are not generally a threat to humans, and they rarely target pets.
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A video is circulating among residents of the Westover community in Stamford showing what appears to be an adult bobcat walking confidently though their neighborhood.
Dr. Michael Parry and his wife Pat say the video - recorded by a neighbor, then shared among Westover residents - has given rise to safety concerns.
"We have a lot of people who go walking in the area, and we have a lot of little dogs, and we worry about them being attacked," Mrs. Parry told News 12 Wednesday.
But zoologist Jim Knox, of the Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport, says bobcats are not generally a threat to humans, and they rarely target pets.
"They're more interested in small prey, like birds, rabbits, chipmunks and squirrels - and even wild turkeys," Knox said.
While documented bobcat sightings may be rare in Stamford, the bobcat population statewide has grown over the past five years, Knox said.
"We estimate there are well over 1,000 bobcats statewide - and that's a good thing," Knox said.
"As a rule, if you leave bobcats alone, they'll return the favor," he said.
