Politics & Government

Bobcat--Not Mountain Lion--Spotted by Jefferson County Resident

The bobcat was spotted in a resident's backyard on Sept. 5, according to the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office.

The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office confirmed that a bobcat was spotted in a resident's backyard last week.

Originally, the resident thought the animal, spotted on Sept. 5, was a mountain lion. Missouri Department of Conservation Agents confirmed it was a bobcat, according to a release from the Sheriff's Office.

The release does not specify where the bobcat was spotted.

Bob cats are not attracted to discarded trash, and prefer their kills live, according to the news release. They tend to shy away from human interaction.

Residents are encouraged to keep dogs leashed. Anyone who spots or encounters a bobcat is instructed not to approach the animal, and to "avoid rapid movements like running," according to the release. 

"Make your presence known, then slowly back away and leave the area," the release advises. "If the animal is aggressive prepare to defend yourself using whatever weapons you have available."

Sightings should be reported to the Department of Conservation. 

Mountain lions are occasionally sighted in Missouri, according to the Department of Conservation, though they do not believe there is a 'breeding population' in the state.


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