New Canaan Police say they received 50 reported sightings of bobcats in 2024, down from 66 in 2023 though that’s likely just because residents are growing more accustomed to seeing the normally reclusive felines.
Bobcat spotted on Lambert Road, Feb. 18, 2025. Credit: Sharon Henderson
Another bobcat sighting, on Lambert Road, came in on Tuesday. Animal Control Officer Sean Godejohn said residents shouldn’t approach the animals.
They are naturally wary of people “and pose little threat to public safety or health,” according to Godejohn.
Bobcats are a top-predator in Connecticut that feeds on rabbits, woodchucks, squirrels, chipmunks, mice, voles, white-tailed deer and birds—and sometimes unsupervised domestic animals such as small livestock and poultry, according to the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.
Godejohn noted that “unprotected pets and livestock” are at risk with a recent rise in reported sightings.
“Prevention is key to reducing human-wildlife conflict and preventing loss of pets or small livestock,” he said.
Bobcats began to appear with more frequency in New Canaan in 2014, and since then officials have said they’ve seen what appear to be families of bobcats establishing dens here. Twice in 2020—in January and December, a pair of the normally reclusive animals were photographed on Marvin Ridge Road properties. A photograph taken four summers ago of a pair of bobcats casually walking around a New Norwalk Road residential property concerned officials that the animals are becoming too familiar with humans.
New Canaan Police issued the following tips for residents to co-exist with bobcats:
- Never intentionally feed wildlife.
- Don’t feed wildlife accidentally. Keep pet food and water inside. Keep garbage securely stored, especially if it is put on the curb for collection.
- Keep an eye on your pets. Walk pets on a leash and accompany them outside, especially at night and early mornings.
- Use deterrents like noisemakers (bells on your dog’s harness or on your wrist/ belt), clapping and waving your arms, and shouting. If those don’t work, throw a small object like a tennis ball or water near the animal to startle it.
- When hiking or walking on trails early in the morning be aware of your surroundings and keep your headphone sound to a minimum or off.
Bobcat sightings should be reported to New Canaan Police Animal Control at 203-594-3510.
We’ve never reported our bobcat sightings, which are frequent. Will do so now!
I reported one bobcat sighting last year but we had at least 5 or 6 and once the bobcat walked right up next to our sliding glass doors on the terrace. A month or two came right to the sliding door and looked in.
What is the point of reporting bobcat sightings? Or any other animal that is not causing any problem?
I believe that the local Animal Control tracks the reported sightings of several kinds of wildlife—including bobcats, coyotes, bears, fishers, river otters and mountain lions—for use by the state DEEP.
I reported our first bobcat sighting in 2020. It walked right over our front step, inches from the front door. Animal Control told me to get used to it because bobcats are active in our area and are here to stay. Since then I have not reported the frequent visits, including one very close encounter when I was exiting my car in the garage and the cat was entering the garage. I don’t know who scared who more but the cat took off quickly after we locked eyes.