Bobcat Spotted in Bloomfield: Stay Alert

0:00Folks in Bloomfield got a wake-up call after a bobcat was spotted near Rockwell Avenue. The town put out a warning on Facebook, urging everyone to stay alert around these wild cats. They're usually shy and not out to fight, but treat them with respect. Keep your distance, don't chase them, and get pets and kids inside if you see one. Bobcat numbers in Connecticut have exploded in recent years. State officials tracked sightings in 152 towns just last year. Back in the 1950s, they were nearly wiped out from hunting, but protection kicked in around 1972, turning them into a safe-guarded species with no open seasons. Now these cats are pushing into cities and suburbs, showing up in places like New Haven and Hartford counties. What used to be a Northwest Forest crew has spread statewide, with every town reporting eyes on them. A recent study-colored bobcat was GPS and found 2,000 to 3,000 roaming the state, some chilling right by homes and even hospitals, like St. Francis and Hartford.

1:00They stick to brushy spots near rivers, blending in sneaky. If you spot one, stay cool, back away slow, make noise to seem big, and head for cover. Hit up Bloomfield Police Animal Control at area code 860-242-5501-extension-5450 and keep feeding. Wildlife off the menu to let nature stay wild. I'm Corey with the story, and you've been listening to Hartford News today, AI-powered local news.