Bobcat, Fisher Cat Sightings Continue in Chelmsford

CHELMSFORD, MA - Have you spotted one of these furry visitors in Chelmsford lately?

In the past two days, a bobcat and a fisher cat have been spotted in Chelmsford neighborhoods.

Chris Fortunato posted on the Facebook page of Chelmsford In-Town Report that a fisher cat had made its way onto the deck of his home near the Byam School Thursday morning, while Mary Ann Harrington Sullivan posted video of a bobcat prowling in a neighbor’s yard off Rainbow Avenue Friday morning.

Both animals are native to Massachusetts, according to the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife. The hunting and trapping of both species is regulated under state law.

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The fisher cat is a shy, elusive animal, according to the Department of Fish and Game They can be active in both day or night, but tend to be seen more at dawn and dusk with nocturnal activity in the summer months and daytime activity during winter. They don’t hibernate so they are active year round.

Bobcats are excellent climbers and will climb trees to rest, chase prey or escape from predators (chiefly domestic dogs). They also tend to avoid water, much like domestic cats. They are the only wild cats still found in Massachusetts, according to the Department of Fish and Game. Bobcats are shy, solitary and generally elusive. They can be active day or night, but tend to be most active during dawn and dusk. Their activity peaks three hours before sunset until midnight and again between one hour before and four hours after sunrise. They also remain active year round and do not hibernate.

Both animals can be dangerous to small pets, in particular cats, rabbits and chickens.

Check out the video below of a recent bobcat sighting in town.

Photo by USFWS Pacific Southwest Region, via flickr creative commons