i know this is kind of a cruel thing...

[mr_j]

...but is it legal to exterminate Bobcats? we've recently seen an increase in their numbers, and they're dangerous creatures. a group of them seriously mauled one of our dogs--we thought we were going to have to put her down. i've seen at least one group of at least three cats in it.

i love cats, and i'm not into just rashly killing animals, but this situation is a bit beyond.

[Play-Doh]

My father lives in a bobcat fested outskirts of Helena MT. Many a times bobcats have come into yards and gotten dogs and other small animals. Most people there have a rifle within reach for that very reason. The biggest fear is that they will maul or kill a small child playing in the yard.

From what I understand (at least for montana) is it is legal to kill a bobcat if there is immediate danger to your family or property. Of course when I comes to bobcats, I would consider anything within 200 yards an immediate threat.

[aquaphase]

call animal control. They track the activities of the "wilder" animals in your area (raccoons, coyotes, puma, etc.)

They'll tell you to look into deterrents (probably even suggest a few) and may even put out live traps. Definitely give them a call; they'll be very interested in the increased activity.

[mere1975]

They track the activities of the "wilder" animals in your area (raccoons, coyotes, puma, etc.)

Just like the stinking FBI.

- Mere "east Texas puma terrorist factions" 1975