A Sarasota County couple recently had a large and surprising visitor in their yard.
Karen Harrington spotted a bobcat in her backyard in Venice on Tuesday. She sent News Channel 8 a photo of the big cat walking around.
Harrington says the bobcat hung around the Lakes of Jacaranda neighborhood for about two nights. They haven’t spotted the big guy since.
Bobcats are mostly found in deep forest, swamps and hammock land but wildlife officials say the animals have adapted well to neighborhoods throughout Florida.
“Bobcats can be a positive addition to an area because they help control populations of other species that may be considered household or yard pests,” the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission says on its website.
Bobcats are a native species in Florida. They are considered generally elusive and are not usually aggressive toward people unless they are sick or injured.
