For Immediate Release: Monday, June 01, 2009
Sponsored by: Health and Human Services Department
Who do you call when you find a bobcat in your backyard shed? On Monday, the answer for a Tigard man was Washington County Animal Services. According to Washington County Animal Control Officer Tim Locke, the resident discovered the bobcat inside a wood storage shed. He closed the door and then called Animal Services to rescue it.
Officer Locke, accompanied by Officer Kent Rohweder, captured the female bobcat and transported her to the Bonnie L. Hays Small Animal Shelter in Hillsboro, where she's waiting for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife biologist to advise on what to do with her.
"We don't know if the bobcat is a lost pet or wild," said Officer Locke. Though, he added, that she appeared thin.
Although the work of an Animal Services officer is usually with dogs and cats, from time to time officers are asked to rescue wild or exotic animals. From coyotes to abandoned Cayman alligators and from deer entwined in fencing to lost python snakes, the officers and shelter staff assist residents and animals in a variety of ways.
Bobcats live in wooded areas and generally shy away from residential areas. "When wild animals are wandering in residential areas, it usually means they're sick or disoriented," said Officer Locke. "But, they usually go back to their wooded areas," he added. Animal Services advises the public to stay away from wild animals.
If the bobcat is determined to be a wild animal (and not a pet), the cat will be turned over to the Department of Fish and Wildlife. Assuming the animal is healthy, it will be released in an area away from homes and businesses.
For information on co-existing with wild animals in the community, see Animal Services' Web site at www.co.washington.or.us/HHS/AnimalServices/Resources/AnimalCare/other-animals.cfm or contact the Oregon State Department of Fish and Wildlife at (971) 670-6000.
Contact:
Deborah Wood
503-846-7041
503-209-3648
