West Seattle wildlife: Bobcat sighting reported

| West Seattle news | Wildlife

Just received this from Tarah. It’s the second time in the past month or so we’ve heard about a possible bobcat – anyone else?

Hey, just wanted people to have a heads-up…I saw a bobcat in the parking lot of
Youngstown (Cultural Arts) center on Delridge. It ran off into the woods neighboring the lot. Just want people in that area to be forewarned so they can keep their animals safe.

The other possible sighting mentioned to us was three weeks ago, early morning, 59th/Alki. Here’s what the state Fish and Wildlife Department says about bobcats.

mrsMarty April 1, 2015 (7:12 pm)

Now besides just coyotes, outdoor pets need to be on the look out for bobcats too…please keep your pets indoors (cats) and pups on a leash when outside so they’ll be safe.

mrs_jonesb April 1, 2015 (8:42 pm)

Please tell me this is an April Fool’s Joke!!!???

WSB April 1, 2015 (8:52 pm)

I might have thought it one except for the Alki sighting I mentioned, which was about two weeks ago and I had it in queue waiting to get a chance to talk to a wildlife agent, which I never did. Denise, in that e-mail, wrote: “This morning, around 6 am, I was running along Alki. I see a fair amount of wildlife on my morning runs — coyotes, raccoon and the occasional river otter, so I wasn’t too surprised to spot a large animal crossing the street where Alki Ave and 59th intersect. My first guess was a raccoon because of its size and girth and its slow, cautious movement. The animal,however, had a thin stubby tail and a distinctly feline face. It was unusual enough that I stopped in mid-stride and shouted out (to myself, since no one else was around) ‘What the hell is that?!” I kept my distance until the animal, which was nearly hit by a passing car, crossed back towards Whale Tail Park.
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I’m wondering if there have ever been any bobcat sightings in West Seattle or if you’ve heard of other unusual animals creeping around Alki in the early hours.”
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Catastrophie April 1, 2015 (9:06 pm)

Could it be the missing Bengal Cat?
https://westseattleblog.com/pet/lost-bengal-cat/

WSB April 1, 2015 (9:28 pm)

Catastrophie, good question. Which reminds me that Meowerly the Bengal cat’s people sent a note recently to say M. was still lost. Will see if I can find that note and a photo.

Oakley34 April 1, 2015 (9:44 pm)

Not at all out of the question for them to be here, especially with all our greenbelts. Just a little rare that they get spotted. According to WDFW the range for an adult male is 2.5 to 6 sq miles, so possibly even the same cat as alki.

Denise April 1, 2015 (9:47 pm)

The animal I saw didn’t have the distinctive markings of a Bengal Cat. The animal was fairly thick, unlike a lean Bengal Cat, with a stumpy tail.

FreGirl April 1, 2015 (10:57 pm)

Lost or feral Maine coons have been mistaken for bobcats.

Anonymous April 2, 2015 (6:36 am)

I vaguely remember a story my friend told me that the old Cooper school used to have a stuffed bobcat that was shot somewhere near the school. I’m guessing this would have happened back in the 50’s.

Heather April 2, 2015 (8:34 am)

Wow! I am meowlory’s mom and am still looking for her- I hope she isn’t down in those parts . I’m glad people are still remembering her. Any info could help. Thanks! Yeah. Quite different than a bobcat.