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Yet another bobcat has been spotted sauntering around properties in the Lower Mission.
And while we don’t play favourites at KelownaNow, it’s hard to argue that this kitty is the cutest one yet!
According to Michelle Bromberg, the creature was spotted curled up beside a hot tub before getting up close and personal for some photographs.
"I was about to open the sliding door and walk into the back yard when I spotted him," explained Bromberg.
"He seemed pretty comfortable before coming over to pose for some pictures."
The Thursday morning sighting marks the third in less than a week, a trend that Conservation Officer Ken Owens claims is less surprising than it sounds.
"They're actually quite common around suburban settings in the Okanagan, but with their reclusive nature they're seldom seen," said Owens.
"However, with today's technology like motion-detecting cameras the illusive creatures are spotted much more often."
Heavy snowfall in the Valley has likely forced the animals to lower elevations where their natural prey of mice, rabbits and birds can be easily seen.
"Bobcats occur less frequently in areas with deep winter snow, lynx have bigger paws, but bobcats have small paws so the snow greatly reduces their ability to catch prey," explained Owens.
"With the recent snow and cold, they will begin to use the lower reaches of their home range and get closer to residential areas."
The recent sightings have sparked some debate as to whether or not the cats are actually lynx.
According to Owens, people can spot a bobcat by the black hair on the tips of the tail and ears.
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