Injured Bobcat Spotted Again in Wilmington

Courtesy Photo: The bobcat spotted in a backyard on Veranda Avenue over the weekend of Sept. 19-20.

An injured bobcat was spotted one Woburn Street Monday afternoon by a local resident. Late last month, what could be the same bobcat, also believed to be injured was spotted in a backyard on Veranda Avenue.

It’s not the first time a bobcat has been seen in town and Wilmington Patch wanted to remind residents again that while bobcats don’t attack people, you do need to keep your pets safe.

See a full list of safety tips at the bottom of this article.

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.

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.