Wild Bobcat Found on Busy Hudson Valley Road
It's not something you hear about every day, but bobcats do live in our area and have been known to come a little too close for comfort to humans.
A bobcat was recent found dead by the side of a major Hudson Valley road. The wild animal was captured in a photograph by an awe-struck resident who feared another animal was closing in on her. Viki Burris sent us this photo of what appears to be a young bobcat that has been struck by a car.
The Rock Tavern resident says she was driving on Route 747 towards 17K when she saw the animal lying on the road. After getting out of the car Burris and her mother attempted to call the DEC, but were unable to get in contact with them. After alerting the local police department Burris says she heard "something in the bushes" and decided to get back in the car. The Rock Tavern resident was afraid it was the animal's "mother" and didn't want to stick around in case she was lurking nearby.
As of Thursday morning the bobcat was still on the side of the road.
In 2014 a bobcat was spotted at Peach Hill Park in Poughkeepsie, reminding residents that the predatory animals do live among us. Bobcats usually hunt rabbits, rodents and the occasional small deer. Although it's rare for a bobcat to approach or attack a human, animals that are rabid have been known to attack people.