Full Notification

DATE/TIME: Tuesday, June 19, 2012
LOCATION: Palo Verde and Verano Place Housing
DETAILS: Bobcat Sighting

PLEASE REPORT ANY FUTURE SIGHTINGS TO THE POLICE DEPARTMENT IMMEDIATELY. While this sighting is not a cause for
alarm, the UC Irvine Police Department encourages the campus community to keep the following safety measures in mind:
Bobcats do not cause any public health or safety problems for humans. They can be an important, perhaps even critical, part of
the balance of nature, even in areas that are densely settled by people. Their almost exclusively carnivorous habits and their
preference for rabbits and rodents as prey means that they can help control populations of these animals. Bobcats tend to be
active during the evening and early morning hours. However, during the spring and summer months you may see mom and her
cubs out during the daylight hours. As the cubs get older they are often seen out playing together, however mom is nearby
keeping an eye on her young.

Appearance
Bobcats are the size of a medium dog with fur varying from buff to reddish color. Occasionally mistaken for mountain lions, the
bobcat has a short tail (six to seven inches long) with a black end, tipped with white and tall ears with short tufts of hair. The males
weigh approximately 25 pounds. Females weigh approximately 15‐20 pounds.

Habitat
Bobcats have adapted to a wide variety of habitats. They do well in small‐forested areas, and open grasslands, as well as brush
land, as long as cover is available.

Diet
Bobcats are opportunistic carnivores. The general preference for prey falls in the range of rabbits up to raccoons. Where an
abundance of rabbits occur the best feeding conditions for bobcats exist.

Deterrents
Make a lot of noise: clap your hands, yell, bang pots and pans together, make yourself look as big as possible. Open your jacket if
you are wearing one. Never turn your back and run from the animal. Do not approach a bobcat. Never try to pet any wild animal. Control food sources in your yard: don't leave pet food outside, limit the use of birdseed because bobcats are attracted to the animals that feed there. Keep your yard trimmed and clear of excess brush and woodpiles that may serve as housing for predators or prey. Don’t leave food or water out for any wildlife. Don’t allow pets to run loose at anytime. Outdoor lights and noise can be used in yards to deter predators. Keep trash in sturdy containers with tight‐fitting lids.

Crime prevention and safety tips, along with other personal safety information, can be found on the Department's website at police.uci.edu.