There have been at least three separate sightings of a bobcat in Shrewsbury ever since last December, according to town residents in Facebook community forums. Some of them have been able to take photos of its appearance in their yards, unable to pinpoint with certainty whether it’s the same animal or another from the surrounding woods, given the distances between the sightings. Some of the last reports date as recently as a two weeks ago, around the Glavin Regional Center in Worcester and Settlers Road in Shrewsbury.
Photo courtesy of Shrewsbury resident Buddy LambertAccording to Mass Wildlife, bobcats are the only wild cat breed found in the state, and they’re used to human contact, commonly seen in suburban areas and often avoid conflict with humans, though they might pray on livestock and small animals like rabbits. They do not tend to attack other cats or dogs, often running away from them. The advice is to keep this livestock in pens at night and avoid placing them in areas with dense wood covers; electric fencing is very effective as deterrents. And of course, do not leave your pets loose around them, as they’re still feral critters.
Photo courtesy of Shrewsbury resident Lyndsey OuimetIf you have issues with bobcats, contact Mass Wildlife via phone at (508)389-6300 on weekdays.
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