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Bobcats?

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From: Sarah McShane
City:
Chicago, IL
Is it possible that I saw a bobcat in my alley last night? It was late, around 11:30. The animal looked like an oversized cat. Long legs, long tail and was faintly striped. At first I thought it was a raccoon but it was too tall and fir through my neighbors wrought iron fence pretty easily. It had pointy ears and seemed timid. Jumped when we made noise. I am so curious! I live across the street from a golf course and a forest preserve so we see deer, raccoons and foxes often. Thanks!

 
Extension Message
From: Laura Kammin
Visiting Extension Specialist, Pollution Prevention
Extension-Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant College Program
lkammin@illinois.edu
Very possible. Bobcats are becoming more common in Illinois. But, in this case, I think you probably saw a domestic cat. Bobcats have rather short tails.

 
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