We Want Our Bobcat Back!
By RANDY MCILWAIN
Updated 2:27 PM CST, Wed, Mar 25, 2009
Bobcats in the boomtown of Frisco are normally associated with small earth movers clearing the way for growth and prosperity. As the mechanical versions do their work, bobcats of the four-legged feline variety are increasingly running out of hunting territory and are moving into neighborhoods in search of food.
"The number one food source they have is rats and rabbits, if it wasn't for those (bobcats) we would be up to our necks," said Frisco Animal Services senior officer Mike Hanse.
Animal Services officers captured an injured bobcat in the front yard of Helga Kumpe's home Sunday afternoon. One of its back paws was severed, likely caught in a trap.
Neighbors once alarmed by the bobcat's presence have learned to share their neighborhood with the bobcat because of its appetite for rodents and rabbits.
"We do have rats," said Kumpe. "We don't have mice. I have had rats."
Kumpe said she doesn't know which is worse, the rodents or rabbits. She said both are ruining her gardens and eating everything in sight.
Barbara Hauser said she witnessed the bobcat's capture and now she's seeing rabbits and rodents slithering into crawl spaces of homes and running free in alleys near garbage cans.
"Bring the bobcat back, yeah, that would probably be a good idea," said Hauser.
Right now the bobcat is recovering at the Wildlife Center outside of Terrell. With medical attention, food and rest the bobcat should be back to normal -- minus a back paw.
So where do old bobcats go? Well in the neighborhood of its capture, some folks would like him back. Anticipating a long hot summer of more rodents and rabbits, a predator with no history of attacks on humans is welcomed.
In fact, Kumpe said, based on what she's seen, her neighborhood could use several varieties of predators.
"Put in a word for us to bring us some owls too," Kumpe said.
First Published: Mar 25, 2009 12:04 AM CST
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