Bobcat Sightings in the Area

Courtesy Photo: The bobcat spotted in a backyard on Veranda Avenue over the weekend.

There haven’t been any sightings in Tewksbury, but next door in Wilmington there have been several bobcat sightings over the past several months including one over the weekend.

A bobcat, believed to be injured, was spotted in a backyard on Veranda Avenue in Wilmington over the weekend.

It’s not the first time a bobcat has been seen in the neighboring town.

“It’s pretty elusive,” says Mark Holleran who has set up a trail cam 200 feet into the woods behind his house capturing all sorts of wildlife living right here in Wilmington, about the bobcat. “It’s probably the same one that was seen near Firestone at the beginning of the month. They are solitary animals, especially the females.”

In June Wilmington Patch reported several residents had seen a bobcat, following several other reported sightings over the past year. One resident we spoke with in June said they always thought they had a bobcat living in the woods behind their house on Kilmarnock Street because they not only heard it but saw tracks in the snow over the winter.

In May another resident saw one while running on Wildwood Street just past the cemetery toward the Wildwood School.

Last November one was spotted crossing Rte. 38, much to the surprise of anyone who saw it.

And in May 2014, Wilmington’s Veteran’s agent Lou Cimaglia saw one on Allen Park Drive and captured a photo, as well.

According to Mass Wildlife, adult bobcats weigh between 15 and 35 pounds and measure 28 to 47 inches in length. Male bobcats are about 33 percent larger than the female bobcats.

And while bobcats don’t attack people, you do need to keep your pets safe.

Here are some tips for pet owners. This goes for all sorts of wildlife including bobcats and coyotes which have been spotted throughout the area:

• Always walk your dog on a leash
• Don’t attract predators to your yard – clean up brushy areas or woodpiles, and remove any food sources.
• Don’t allow cats to roam free outdoors.
• Never encourage or allow your pet to interact or “play” with wildlife.
• Make sure your fence is in good repair.
• Do not leave pets unattended outdoors.
• Remove food sources, i.e. fallen fruit, food refuse, pet food.