[NoMoSno]

Yes, I appears the Lynx is a far northern kitty.

OP has seen California bobcats, which may look different than the Florida variety.

Up north midwest, they would look different, depending on the season.
Length of hair and color.

Finding tracks would be the best clue.

[kittygilchrist]

Originally Posted by NoMoSno

Yes, I appears the Lynx is a far northern kitty.

OP has seen California bobcats, which may look different than the Florida variety.

Up north midwest, they would look different, depending on the season.
Length of hair and color.

Finding tracks would be the best clue.

I will never forget seeing a lynx in Minnesota, at the Boundary, by the headlights of the car.
It was a magical moment. I think he was stalking a frog. Or at Least that's how I imagined it seeing him peer intently into a puddle and pouncing on something I couldn't see..

[kittygilchrist]

Unable to delete Duplicate post.

[buggyone]

With all the preserve areas in The Villages, it is no surprise to find coyotes, bobcats, foxes, or other predators which eat rats, rabbits, birds, or the occasional cat or dog.

Always a good idea to keep cats indoors and to be watchful when walking the dog after dark.

[Marion]

Originally Posted by kittygilchrist

Identify a Bobcat - National Bobcat Rescue and Research Foundation
Well you're not in California anymore.
I appreciate that you've been all over everywhere looking at wildlife, but doubtful that this is any mystery animal. We don't have that many Wildcats and you have eliminated the list relying on your experiences and views in other states.
You could take a look at this bobcat ID website and see if it helps any.

I looked at the website and you were right. This 3rd picture on the right side is what was on my patio. Thanks for the sight info.

[kittygilchrist]

You're welcome. I've been in Florida for a lifetime. If I went to one of the places you've been to, I would know so little Of what wildlife might be encountered there.
I'm happy you are with us in the villages and that you have wisely cautioned your neighbors to keep the small animals safe.

[DougB]

Florida Bigfoot?

[NoMoSno]

Originally Posted by DougB

Florida Bigfoot?

Maybe?...

[mac]

Definitely a bobcat. There is a pair with babies at Amberwood and one has been several times at Lopez golf course. Since it was large, probably the male. I saw several walking between houses around Heron and Pelican last summer.

[Bonanza]

Originally Posted by DougB

Florida Bigfoot?

What size shoe do you wear???

[Bobcuse]

Originally Posted by kittygilchrist

Identify a Bobcat - National Bobcat Rescue and Research Foundation
Well you're not in California anymore.
I appreciate that you've been all over everywhere looking at wildlife, but doubtful that this is any mystery animal. We don't have that many Wildcats and you have eliminated the list relying on your experiences and views in other states.
You could take a look at this bobcat ID website and see if it helps any.

Thanks for this website Kitty. It is the best I've seen for Bobcat info. We saw two bobcats (one adult and one cub) coming out of the brush off the west side of the Buena Vista roundabout near Stillwater Trail which were exactly like the 2nd picture on the left shown on your website.

[kittygilchrist]

I hope that anyone repeatedly sees big cats in their neighborhood will call Community watch and or the fish and wildlife commission to have these cats moved to a more natural habitat.
It sickens me to think of their struggle to survive between streets.

[nicoletta]

i have seen Bobcats three different times in this area..the first thing i thought was "thats a large cat".I have seen them in a parking lot at dawn in Lady Lake..and at dusk by a lake area also . They have very large whiskers at the face area .. short . tan and very perceptive to people being around..they know you are there watching every time !!!.the other animals (birds) were alarming of the presence most probably..it isnt a mystery animal ..they are here .. as we are in very close proximity to a very large forested area ..there are panthers here also as well as bears ..

[Indydealmaker]

Originally Posted by kittygilchrist

Land Mammals - Bobcat

That sounds like a bobcat. Call community watch. Also call the Florida wildlife commission.
Tell your neighbors with small pets, as you were planning to do, and have another glass of wine.

Sounds like the guy who lives behind me. He is usually out roaming when the moon is full.

[kittygilchrist]

Originally Posted by nicoletta

i have seen Bobcats three different times in this area..the first thing i thought was "thats a large cat".I have seen them in a parking lot at dawn in Lady Lake..and at dusk by a lake area also . They have very large whiskers at the face area .. short . tan and very perceptive to people being around..they know you are there watching every time !!!.the other animals (birds) were alarming of the presence most probably..it isnt a mystery animal ..they are here .. as we are in very close proximity to a very large forested area ..there are panthers here also as well as bears ..

Florida Panther - National Wildlife Federation
There are about 100 Panthers left in Florida, and they live near the Everglades.