‘Secretive’ wild predator caught on camera is a ‘rare’ sight, experts say

A bobcat, known as a stealthy wild predator, was caught staring down a trail camera on Long Island, New York. 

Columbia Land Conservancy, an organization based in New York, shared the video footage of the bobcat enjoying its habitat. 

‘Here, the bobcat feels like a domesticated cat, tilting its head and ears and listening to the world around it,’ the conservancy shared.

‘Bobcats are the most common wildcat in North America and can be found throughout upstate New York, but due to their secretive nature (much like some house cats!), spotting them is a rare and unexpected treat.’

Viewers were excited to see the rare footage, with one commenting, ‘That’s awesome hope no one harm the cat just nature living.’

‘I had a bobcat go down my driveway and got it on camera,’ another shared. 

‘How cute,’ a third added. 

Bobcats get their name from their short bob-tails, which are typically two to eight inches long. 

A bobcat was spotted on a trail camera and shared by the Columbia Land Conservancy in New York 

Like all cats, bobcats have a secretive nature and are rarely captured posing on camera

Bobcats are predators found in North America and have been known to hunt mice, squirrels and even young deer 

The cats can adapt to different habitats, including the desert, mountain ranges, canyons and even suburban areas. 

Bobcats are native to North America and have the same hunting techniques as the mountain lion. 

The predators are quick on their feet and wait motionless for their prey before pouncing on them. 

They hunt small animals like mice, squirrels, minks, rabbits, raccoons, snakes, frogs, and can even take down young deer. 

Bobcats are hard to spot, so when they’re caught on camera, it can be exciting for animal enthusiasts. 

Back in March, the South Florida Wildlands Association shared an image of a creature caught on camera that divided the internet. 

The SFWA asked the public what they thought the creature was, with many speculating that it could be a bobcat. 

‘Bobcat. Look at the ears. All animals grow differently and survive at rates other than their typical lifespan,’ one wrote. 

Similar to mountain lions, bobcats stake out their prey before pouncing on them 

A mysterious creature was caught on trail camera footage in South Florida, and the internet speculated it was a bobcat 

‘Maybe some sort of hybrid but I grew up in the woods & that’s definitely some breed of bobcat.’

‘Bobcat from the slant of the ears,’ another agreed. 

‘Bobcats come in a variety of sizes and shapes. I have seen large ones that look exactly like this in my headlights; in the wild, I can’t get closer than 100 feet to one before it splits,’ a third agreed. 

However, others disagreed, speculating that the mystery creature was a different type of cat, with one writing, ‘Feral cat. Tail too long for a bobcat and head too large for a cougar.’

‘Domestic house cat and I’m absolutely certain. I’m wondering why this image was even shared,’ another added. 

***
Read more at DailyMail.co.uk