WEST DES MOINES, Iowa — Officials in West Des Moines have received "numerous reports" of bobcat sightings in recent months, the city shared Monday.
The city cited recent expansion into natural habitats as a possible explanation for the sightings.
"By understanding how to respond to encounters with bobcats and taking proactive measures to protect our pets, we can coexist with these fascinating creatures in a safe and responsible manner," the city said.
According to National Geographic, bobcats are twice the size of the average house cat and are known to live in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands and even suburban areas.
In general, bobcats are nocturnal and rarely seen by humans, National Geographic reports.
Still, West Des Moines city officials note bobcats may wander into neighborhoods in search of food, water or shelter.
As such, the city shared these tips online to help protect people and their pets if they encounter a bobcat:
- Stay calm and back away slowly
- Do not approach or feed the bobcat
- Keep pets indoors or closely supervised
- Make noise to scare the bobcat away
- Contact the Iowa Department of Natural Resources if a bobcat is sick or injured
"Remember, the key to ensuring the safety of both humans and wildlife lies in mutual respect and responsible behavior," the city said. "Stay informed, stay vigilant, and together we can create harmonious relationships with the natural world around us."
