Rye police confirmed a sighting of a bobcat in the city and said they will provide an update about the status of the animal and its location.
On Sunday, Rye resident Terry Caridi posted a photo and video of a bobcat walking through foliage near Summit Avenue and North Street. She said the footage was captured around 2:50 p.m. Sunday.
Rye PD Detective Sargant Chris Salguero said Monday that he’d seen photos and video of the bobcat, and that the department planned to post on social media this week. The department has used its Facebook and Instagram accounts to provide frequent updates to residents on news, including the recent slew of summer storms.
While many of the comments on Caridi’s Facebook post admired how beautiful the bobcat is, residents should avoid any interactions with the animal.
If you spot a bobcat, the best course of action is to stay calm and avoid running away, which could trigger the bobcat’s instincts to chase.
Keep the animal at a distance, and make your presence known by standing tall, waving your arms, and clapping or yelling at the cat. The animal will likely recognize you as a threat and look for an escape. Back away slowly, but don’t turn your back to it. If you have children or pets nearby, pick them up, and bring them inside right away. In most cases, the bobcat will retreat once it sees a human. Bobcats tend to avoid people, and encounters with humans are rare.
Bobcats are typically attracted to yards that have food, like the bird feeder that can be seen in Caridi’s Facebook post. To deter bobcats, secure trash cans and bring pet food inside. If you own bird feeders, consider moving them or regularly pick up any spilled seed.
To report bobcat sightings, call the Rye police non-emergency line at 914-967-1234.
