On cam: Elusive bobcat prowling through Franklin County caught on game camera
A Franklin County man caught an elusive bobcat prowling through the creek near his game camera.
Bobcats aren't uncommon in North Carolina, especially in the western part of the state, as well as wooded areas, farmland, swamps and forests. However, they can be elusive, with nicknames like 'woods ghost' and 'lightning,' as well as 'ol' spitfire.' They are also sometimes called wildcats.
"It is very hard to get photos or video of these elusive animals, which are very common here in NC," said the game camera's owner.
Bobcats can grow to around twice the size as a domestic cat, ranging in weight from 10 to 40 pounds.
While bobcats are not commonly seen, they have been seen even in suburban areas. One couple in Pender County was attacked by a wild bobcat in their subdivision. In Georgia, a grandmother killed a bobcat with her bare hands after it attacked her outside her home.
In Angier, some locals claiming to see a panther were told by wildlife officials that it was likely a bobcat.
"Bobcats are very adaptable and will use a wide variety of habitats, enabling them to live close to people. However, due to their secretive behaviors, they often go undetected," writes the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. "Bobcats rarely cause conflicts with people or their activities, though they infrequently kill domestic livestock, such as poultry, sheep or goats, and attack domestic cats."
Bobcats may appear in close proximity to developments, but they will generally run away from humans.
"Their presence alone in a neighborhood is not a cause for concern. In fact, due to their elusive nature, it is a rarity to see a bobcat. If you see a bobcat, consider yourself among the privileged few to see North Carolina’s only wild cat," says the NC Wildlife Resources Commission.
But keep your distance.
