RYE, NY (Aug. 27, 2026) — The Rye Police Department is advising residents to keep their distance after receiving recent reports of bobcat sightings in the area.
Bobcats are native to New York and, while generally secretive and seldom seen, can occasionally be observed in suburban areas, according to the department.
If a bobcat is encountered, wildlife officials recommend keeping distance and not approaching or attempting to feed the animal. Officials also advise making noise and slowly backing away to give the bobcat space to leave, keeping small pets indoors or properly restrained, and never attempting to capture, handle or corner the animal.
The department said bobcat attacks on people are extremely rare, and sightings alone are generally not a cause for alarm.
Residents who observe a bobcat are encouraged to report the sighting to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC). Sightings help wildlife biologists monitor bobcat distribution and populations throughout New York, the department said.
Additional information about bobcats, including how to report a sighting and New York State’s Bobcat Management Plan, is available at dec.ny.gov/nature/animals-fish-plants/bobcat. The NYSDEC page also provides information about bobcat biology, habitat, distribution, management and research in the state.
“As always, enjoy wildlife from a safe distance and allow wild animals plenty of room to move along on their own,” the department said.
This article was prepared with the assistance of AI tools under the direction and editing of Robert Cox.
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