Two bobcat attacks in Calgary Parkland may be from same feline

Two people were injured in bobcat attacks in Calgary’s Parkland just days apart, and officials say the same cat may be to blame.

Alberta Fish and Wildlife received reports from Calgary police about a bobcat in the Parkland area while a woman was walking her dog off-leash on June 29.

She noticed a bobcat kitten and began to leash her dog and move away from the area. However, an adult bobcat appeared, leading to an altercation that left the victim with scratches.

Fish and Wildlife attended the scene and attempted to find the large cat–the smallest of the wild ones–but weren’t able to find it.

It can be “extremely challenging” to locate and trap a free-roaming wild cat with kittens with access to an abundant food source, according to officials. The situation is being monitored at this time.

Sheena Campbell, a spokesperson for the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services, says the bobcat incident happened about two kilometres away from another similar incident a few days before.

“While officers are unable to confirm the same bobcat was involved in both incidents, the proximity suggests it is possible,” she said in an email to CityNews.

An adult bobcat left a woman with scratches and other minor injuries in the southeast Calgary community of Parkland shortly after 10 a.m. on June 23, according to reporting from CBC.

Fish and Wildlife says the bobcat was being protective because she was with her kittens.

Campbell says bobcats rarely pose an imminent public safety risk, but the public is encouraged to do their part to learn how to deal with an encounter if they live near them.

Calgarians who see a bobcat in their backyard are advised to make sure it has a clear exit path.

Harry Aime, wildlife technician with Calgary Parks and Open Spaces, told CityNews in March that there should be an avenue of escape for the cats, and not to corner them or make them feel threatened.

If you see a bobcat and are concerned for your safety, you can call Fish and Wildlife’s Calgary office at 403-297-6423. You can also report a poacher at 1-800-642-3800.

Lastly, the city says any information about sightings can be shared by contacting 311.

More information about bobcats in Calgary can be found on the city’s website.

With files from Dione Wearmouth