Rye police confirmed a bobcat is roaming the city after a resident captured photos and video of the animal near Summit Avenue and North Street on Monday, July 27.
Resident Terry Caridi posted footage to Facebook showing the bobcat walking through foliage around 2:50 p.m. A bird feeder was visible in the frame near where the animal appeared.
Detective Sgt. Chris Salguero of the Rye Police Department confirmed Tuesday, July 28, that he had reviewed the photos and video, and that the department planned to post updates on its Facebook and Instagram accounts during the week, according to the Rye Record.
Caridi's Facebook post drew admiring comments about the bobcat's appearance, but police are urging residents to avoid any interaction with the animal.
What to do if you see a bobcat
Stay calm. Police advise residents who spot the bobcat to avoid running, which could trigger the animal's instinct to chase. Instead:
- Stand tall, wave your arms, and clap or yell to make your presence known.
- Back away slowly. Do not turn your back to the animal.
- Bring children and pets inside immediately.
In most cases, the bobcat will retreat once it sees a human. Encounters between bobcats and people are rare, and the animals tend to avoid humans.
How to deter bobcats from your yard
Bobcats are drawn to yards with accessible food sources. The department recommends:
- Securing trash cans.
- Bringing pet food inside.
- Moving bird feeders or regularly cleaning up spilled seed.
Residents who spot the bobcat should call the Rye Police Department's non-emergency line at 914-967-1234.
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