Bobcat on Morning Walk Captured on Camera

A bobcat took a morning stroll in Wilton on Wednesday, Sept. 2, and Rick Conklin took an impressive photo of the critter.

He shared it with Connecticut Fish and Wildlife, who posted it on Facebook recently, prompting a string of responses from people.

Jennifer Tilsch-Nardi Golden shared the second photograph in the above gallery with the comment:

“Friday morning at my house in Suffield. 3rd time it’s been in my yard and 4th time we’ve seen it in our neighborhood. Hasn’t bothered anyone, just strolling through.”

A History of Bobcats in CT

According to the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, bobcats are the only wild cat found in Connecticut.

“Historically, bobcats were not protected in Connecticut and were viewed as a threat to agriculture and game species,” the DEEP stated. “The state even had a bounty on bobcats from 1935-1971. By the early 1970s, a large increase in the value of bobcat pelts raised concerns that the population could be over-harvested. In addition, deforestation of the state’s landscape that peaked in the 1800s greatly reduced habitat for bobcats and many other wildlife species. In 1972, the bobcat was reclassified as a protected furbearer in Connecticut with no hunting or trapping seasons.”

The DEEP reports that the bobcats numbers have increased in recent years.

“Sighting and vehicle-kill reports indicate that bobcats now reside in all eight Connecticut counties,” the DEEP stated. “However, the heaviest concentrations occur in the northwestern corner of the state.”

How to Report a Bobcat Sighting

Bobcat sightings may be reported to the Wildlife Division at deep.wildlife@ct.gov or by calling 860-424-3011.

The following information is needed: Name, contact information, date, location and time of sighting.

Have you seen any bobcats or other wildlife around town? We would love to share your photos with the community. Email jaimie.cura@patch.com with photos and info on the sighting.

Photo Credit: Rick Conklin and Jennifer Tilsch-Nardi Golden