Calgarians are spotting more bobcats than ever in residential neighborhoods, and experts say these wild cats are no longer acting like the "shy" and "elusive" animals they're supposed to be.
Bobcat sightings in Calgary have skyrocketed from around 1,000 reports per year before 2018 to a steady 2,000 annual sightings as of 2024. The trend hasn't slowed down in 2025.
Recent videos posted to Calgary's subreddit show bobcats casually strolling through residential areas, completely unbothered by nearby humans or cameras. The cats have been spotted using sidewalks, lounging on fences, settling in yards, and even peeking through windows on front porches.
"They're walking around like they own the place," said Vanessa Carney, a landscape analysis supervisor at the City of Calgary.
What's bringing them to the city?
University of Alberta professor Colleen Cassady St. Clair points to an abundance of food. Domestic rabbits have increased in Edmonton and Calgary, grey squirrels are expanding across the area, and cat food left out for feral cats acts like a buffet for bobcats.
"Bobcats are obligate carnivores," St. Clair explained. "They only eat meat under normal conditions. Cat food emulates that."
The cats are also successfully reproducing and adapting to human presence. While they typically prey on mice, squirrels, and rabbits, experts warn they can hunt small dogs and cats.
How to co-exist safely
Calgary Wildlife Rehabilitation Society Executive Director Beki Hunt recommends:
Remove fallen fruit from trees
Secure or remove bird feeders
Don't leave pet food outside
Keep cats indoors
Supervise small dogs when outside
Close off spaces under decks and outbuildings
Bobcats don't pose a danger to humans as long as they're not fed. If you spot one in your neighborhood, report it to 311 or contact Alberta Fish and Wildlife at 403-297-6423 for safety concerns.
Despite their urban lifestyle, trail camera data shows Calgary's bobcats still prefer to stay close to green spaces like Fish Creek Park and the city's river valleys.
