When a homeowner in the Moss Bay neighborhood of Kirkland heard loud banging inside the house on August 31, they called 911 fearing a burglary. Instead of a human intruder, Kirkland Police discovered a wild bobcat perched at the top of the stairs.
Police response and safe capture
Officers arrived quickly and, recognizing the danger of a live predator inside a home, deployed an unmanned aircraft (drone) to keep visual contact with the animal while maintaining a safe distance. The department explained that the drone allowed responders to “guide the response without placing anyone at unnecessary risk.”
After monitoring the bobcat’s movements, officers were able to corral the animal into an isolated room. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife then arrived, sedated the bobcat, and transported it to a release site near Forbes Creek, close to the creature’s natural habitat.
No injuries reported
Both the homeowner and the family pet emerged unharmed from the incident. Police believe the bobcat entered the home by climbing a nearby tree and jumping through an open window.
Bobcats increasingly seen in suburban areas
Washington Fish and Wildlife notes that bobcats are found throughout the state and are likely more common than many residents realize. While they remain reclusive, the agency observes that bobcats are using suburban settings more often, though sightings are still rare.
How to react to a bobcat encounter
Officials advise anyone who encounters a bobcat in the wild to avoid approaching or feeding the animal. Pet owners should keep dogs and cats indoors, especially between dusk and dawn, and secure small livestock and poultry. If a bobcat somehow enters a residence, the recommended course of action is to move people and pets away from the area and call 911 immediately.
This incident underscores the importance of staying vigilant about local wildlife and following guidance from public‑safety officials to protect both residents and the animals themselves.
Original reporting: Las Cruces Sun News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
