A Washington resident who dialed 911 after hearing unsettling bangs inside their home thought they might be dealing with a break-in. Instead, officers arrived to find the suspected “cat burglar” was, in fact, a real bobcat standing at the top of the stairs.
The bizarre wildlife encounter happened last week in Kirkland’s Moss Bay neighborhood, where police managed to contain the animal safely before wildlife authorities later released it back into its natural environment.
The Kirkland Police Department said the homeowner, the responding officers and the bobcat all came away unharmed.
Police used a drone to track the bobcat’s movements inside the Kirkland home while keeping officers at a safe distance. (Kirkland Police Department)
According to police, the call initially came in as a possible burglary after the homeowner reported hearing loud noises from inside the residence. Once officers entered the scene, they quickly realized the intruder was a wild bobcat.
To avoid getting too close, authorities launched a drone inside the home to follow the bobcat’s movements and help officers plan a safe response.
Officers were able to guide the bobcat into a separate room, where it remained secured until wildlife officials arrived and sedated the animal. (Kirkland Police Department)
Footage shared by Kirkland police shows the bobcat growling from its perch near the top of the staircase.
The unexpected house guest was safely corralled into an isolated room until the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife arrived.
After being sedated, the bobcat was later released near Forbes Creek, close to the natural habitat where it was found, police said.
Police believe the bobcat climbed a tree and jumped through an open window, possibly after being drawn inside by the homeowner’s cat.
Wildlife officials released the bobcat near Forbes Creek after it was safely removed from a home in Kirkland, Washington. (Kirkland Police Department)
The resident’s cat was later found unharmed.
Officials warned residents never to approach or feed a bobcat and to give the animal plenty of space if encountered.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife also recommends that residents keep pets indoors, especially between dusk and dawn, and secure small livestock and poultry.
