Over the last few years I have commented on how there seem to be more bobcats in our area. Because they are secretive most folks do not see them. I notice mostly tracks in the snow during the winter. Although our neighbors have seen one, Argy saw one last winter while I was away and I have seen a few crossing the road while driving and a couple in the woods over the years.
I think that they are able to take wild turkeys from their roosts at night and as the turkey population has gone up rapidly so has the bobcat population. A piece in the local paper (Searsmont Man Traps 50 Pound bobcat) documents a pretty big bobcat trapped not too far away. You just never know what you might see in the Maine Outdoors. It would be great to have someone on one of my trips see a bobcat of that size!
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Bobcats
A few weeks ago I thought I was seeing things when I spotted a heavy, tawny mottled cat crossing our driveway in Georgetown, Maine. It happened so fast, but I could see that it was a bit larger than a housecat and its legs were heavier than a housecat's. Its head appeared rounder also. It didn't look at me, just slipped into the brush at the side of the driveway. Then a couple of nights ago I saw eyes glowing off to the side of the road about a mile or two from our house. I slowed down and a fox-sized cat ran across the road. This time I noticed its large ears and they appeared to be darker on the tips. Scouring the Internet for pictures, I have now seen enough to know that what I saw both times was a bobcat! Either there are two, or it's moving around some...I hope our grouse that has befriended us is safe this winter! We've had a grouse who comes to greet us every day, flying after our car as we leave the house each morning. It follows us around the yard, accompanies my husband as he mows the lawn and grabs pant legs, not seeming to mind being dragged along as you walk. Unfortunately, Gretel the Grouse would make a nice bobcat snack.
Lucky
Consider yourself lucky to have seen the cat. Most Maine residents go a lifetime without ever seeing one. While your grouse may well be on the dinner menu if the cat has the chance I am willing to bet on the bird getting away. Thank you for posting the comment.
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