Bobcats in Ponce Inlet

Over the past few days, Ponce Inlet Police officers have spotted two medium sized bobcats near Beach Street and S. Atlantic Blvd. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has been notified and the sighting reported, but FWC will not respond unless they become hostile or a nuisance. Unless the animal is sick or injured, bobcats are generally elusive and not aggressive toward people. However, precautions should be taken to prevent problems.

•        Secure all possible food sources, including pet food and garbage.

•        Do not directly feed bobcats or other wildlife. Even if a bobcat is not eating the food you put out for birds or other wildlife, feeding stations can concentrate prey species and draw predators to your property.

•        Yell, use air horns, or throw rocks toward, but not at, the bobcat to discourage the animal from being in an unwelcome place.

•        Do not leave small domestic pets outdoors or in screened enclosures unattended and always walk dogs on leashes so they cannot run off or out of sight.

Euthanasia of any live captured bobcat is prohibited, they must be released per Florida Rule 68A-9.010, Taking Nuisance Wildlife. For more information, visit FWC’s website on bobcats at 

https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/profiles/mammals/land/bobcat/.

To report a wildlife alert, please call FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-405-3922.