Bobcat Spotted In Fairfield's Pine Creek Area

FAIRFIELD, CT — A bobcat was recently spotted in the Pine Creek area of Fairfield, but the town's Animal Control Department says residents typically do need to worry about the feline friends.

"Usually bobcats are just passing through and pose no harm," Fairfield officials wrote on Facebook. "Areas where bobcats have been seen are as far south as the beach area and as far north as the Easton border."

In 2022, 34 bobcat sightings were reported in Fairfield, according to the Connecticut Department of Energy and Wildlife Protection. And from the beginning of the year through mid-April, more than 1,600 sightings were reported throughout the state.

At a rate of about three bobcat sightings per month, such encounters are common in Fairfield, but if a resident believes a situation needs police response, the department says to call 203-254-4800.

Below is some information about bobcats in Connecticut from Dabney Bowen, Fairfield's wildlife advisor:

"We have been receiving an increase in calls about Bobcats (also known as the Red Lynx) recently, as is typical this time of year when adult bobcats leave their dens with juveniles in tow to teach them how to hunt. The only wild cat with a home range in New England, Bobcats are most active at dusk and dawn, and primarily prey upon small mammals such as young woodchucks, rabbits, squirrels, chipmunks, mice, voles, and songbirds. Occasionally, when food sources are scarce, bobcats will hunt unprotected domestic fowl, infirm fawns, insects, and reptiles.

"Bobcats were nearly extirpated from Connecticut two hundred years ago due to deforestation and farming. As young forests and undergrowth began to grow throughout the state.

"Identifying a bobcat can be tricky, as the juveniles can be mistaken for domestic cats. However, there are three features that distinguish a bobcat from its domestic relatives. One is the bobbed tail - bobcat tails are only about six inches in length. The other two prominent features are the cheek ruffs (longer hairs that hang from their cheeks), and the tufts of black hair on the tips of their pointed ears. Adult bobcats are also about two to three times the size of house cats.

"Bobcats are not significant vectors of disease, and attacks on people are extremely rare, however, it is always advised to supervise dogs outside and to keep house cats indoors."