North Reading Police Report Possible Bobcat Sighting on Southwick Road

NORTH READING, MA — A Southwick Road resident in the area of Barberry Road reported a possible bobcat walking along the side of the roadway, according to North Reading police.

Police say the cat was described as brown, much bigger than a house cat with pointed white-tipped ears. North Reading Animal Control was notified of the possible sighting, but police were not able to locate the cat.

Police issued the following notice:

"According to the Mass.gov website; “The only wild cat now found in Massachusetts, the bobcat (Lynx rufus) is a medium sized feline approximately twice the size of a domestic house cat.

The bobcat can be easily identified by its short, “bobbed” tail (3.5-7.5 inches), prominent face ruff, and slightly tufted ears. The coat of short, dense fur can vary in color from a yellowish to reddish brown with distinct or faint black spots along its flanks and white under parts that are also spotted with black. In summer, their fur tends to be shorter and more reddish in color becoming longer and much paler in the winter although there can be much variation in color among individual animals.

Adult bobcats weigh between 15 and 35 pounds and measure 28-47 inches in overall length. Size varies depending on sex with male bobcats being approximately 33% larger than their female counterparts.”

According to eHow.com, “Bobcats are shy animals and will not normally pose a risk to humans unless they are sick. Bobcats with rabies tend to have erratic behavior, be lethargic and/or foam at the mouth. Anyone who sees a bobcat behaving strangely should contact [the police or] local animal control department.
Although most bobcats tend to avoid humans, they have been known to prey on unattended pets, birds, small livestock, rabbits and rodents. Keep small pets inside, and keep domestic birds in enclosed cages.

If spotted, contact NRPD at (978)-664-3131 or N.R. Animal Control at (978)-664-3807."

Photo credit: North Reading Police Department