Bobcat sighting on base Published Aug. 12, 2009 By 355th Fighting Wing Public Affairs DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- It's that time of the year again--our desert critters are a bit more visible than normal. This occurs for several reasons. It is unusually hot this year, so they are seeking shelter. Their young ones are at the age when the parents are teaching them to hunt and fend for themselves. Bobcats, especially, are very good parents and teachers. Because of the extensive construction disturbance in the housing area, prey such as packrats, ground squirrels, and rabbits are present in abundance. It's a virtual smorgasbord for predators who depend on that prey base to feed their young. A bobcat can eat 3 to 4 ground squirrels or packrats a day. They do not stalk them--they lay in wait for them. It is the consummate classroom in which to learn to hunt. Consequently, animals we don't normally see in the open come out to take advantage of this opportunity to teach and feed their young. This year, it seems the bobcat is the one animal we are seeing the most of. As the babies continue to mature and grow and learn to fend for themselves and the weather gets cooler, they will go off and establish territories of their own. This will happen around September. In the meantime, here are some facts and guidelines to keep in mind when you see bobcats: 1. Bobcats are not aggressive unless threatened. When they do feel threatened, they will most likely run away or run up a tree. They do not like moving objects that are bigger than they are. The best thing to do is give them a wide berth. 2. Noise will run a bobcat off. If you really feel they are too close, put small rocks in an aluminum drink can or something else metallic and rattle it when they come around. This will make them uncomfortable, thinking it is a rattlesnake, and they will run off. A "super soaker" pointed in the right direction will also make them run. 3. Rabies in bobcats is extremely rare. Since 1930, when records began to be kept in Arizona, there have only been six rabid bobcat attacks. There have been none in recent years. A mother with young kittens would not be likely to have rabies. 4. Bobcats will see a small pet as prey, therefore, it would be prudent to keep small dogs in a covered enclosure. Do not leave pet food out. That is just an invitation to any wild animal. Bird feeders should be in trees with a pan or cone underneath to catch stray seeds. Seeds on the ground attract the vermin, thus attracting bobcats, coyotes, and even javelina. Do not let a housecat out to roam. The cat then becomes easy prey for not only a bobcat, but also coyotes, hawks, and especially great horned owls. People who move here who are not familiar with the desert and its habitat are often alarmed and fearful when they see a bobcat or coyote or other wild animal. The wildlife in the desert can be fun, interesting, and a great teaching tool for children. The best thing to do is educate one's self about the animals and their behavior. Learn how to avoid them or deter them, but most of all, learn how to enjoy them.