Bobcat spotted in Village of Warwick

BY ERIKA NORTON
WARWICK — Village of Warwick resident Sarah Armand captured video of a large bobcat roaming around her backyard on Monday.
“Look what we have in my backyard, totally freaking my dog out,” Armand says in the video as her dog is heard barking in the background.
Armand told The Warwick Advertiser she lives on the outskirts of the village by Ball Road, near Masker Orchards. She said she has never seen a bobcat in the area before.
“It took me completely by surprise,” she said. “I’m amazed I had the sense to grab my phone.”
The video, along with two photos, was posted on Facebook on Monday at 6:30 p.m. Since then the video has gone viral, with over 1,000 users sharing the post.
The Town of Warwick also posted on Facebook about the bobcat sighting:
“A resident recently spotted a ‘bobcat’ in her yard in the vicinity of Brady Road near the Village. It minded its own business and returned to the woods.
“There have been several sightings this year and actually for many years since we still have much open space land in our town,” the post continues. “Just be alert, don’t leave food outside and report any sighting to the Warwick PD at 986-5000.”
Bobcat informationAccording to Warwick Valley Humane Society President Suzyn Barron, bobcats are very common in the area and have been around a long time, but are rarely seen.
At this time of year, young bobcats are out and about and are opportunistic eaters, looking for an easy meal.
In speaking with New York State licensed rehabilitator, Missy Runyan, there are several steps residents can take to enjoy the local wildlife while keeping their families and pets safe:
No small pets should be left outside unsupervised. Besides bobcats, there are hawks and especially owls who also prey on small animals.
It is especially important to not leave any food outdoors. Those who feed feral cats and feral cat colonies should do so only during the daylight and never leave food unattended.
Chicken coops should be secure and topped with a silver rabbit/chicken type fencing material, which will reflect the sun to keep them safe, keeping hawks and owls away.
Keeping a safe distance away, keeping garbage and other food sources secure is imperative. Use of ammonia and bleach on and in garbage containers will prevent drawing wildlife to your home.
No bird feeders should be out during spring, summer and fall, despite feed stores selling these items year round.
“We live among the wildlife in our beautiful Warwick Valley,” Barron said. “We can all live safely and enjoy the wildlife by adhering to the advice of the Department of Environmental Conservation and wildlife rehabilitators. In Ms. Runyan's words, ‘let wild be wild.’”