Domesticating Wildlife: What if That Kitten Is a Bobcat?

Volume 2 Issue 1
April 1, 2008
Author: Andrew Utschig

There are those who grow tired of the usual pet such as a cat, dog, or even a bird. Some take it even to lengths of very unusual. It seems that quite frequently, reports fly in of people who have pets that break the traditional tenets of what is common, and sometimes, they even go overboard. One such recent story surrounds a family from the Raber Township of Michigan who enjoy the company of their pet bobcat. Yes, you read that correctly, they have domesticated a bobcat and named it Scooty. Many thoughts could be running through your minds right now; but concern would most likely be very appropriate due to the fact that even though a bobcat would make a neat pet, as Scooty's owners, the Traynors put it, the dangers of attempting to domesticate a wild animal should be viewed. Furthermore, while there are benefits in the face of the dangers that arise from potential domestication, the state regulations and laws must also be adhered to before any inference with the natural order.

The Traynors acquired Scooty from a pair of domesticated bobcats from Wyoming and since then, they have made certain accommodations that include a heated garage and a buffet of raw meat and Friskies. From viewing their situation, one may be able to draw the conclusion that having such a pet is certainly safe and alright to have around the house. Before anyone starts running to emulate Sonny Crockett from Miami Vice and purchasing a crocodile for their backyard, there are some issues when it comes to at least Scooty's case. For us here in Wisconsin, do we even come across a wild bobcat? Before Wisconsin was settled in the 1600s, bobcats were actually quite plentiful, but as the population increased and became scattered throughout the state, the bobcat population mostly limited itself to the north.

A bobcat, or lynx rufus, looks very much like a much larger version of the common house cat and is certainly more agile and instinctual. Trying to spot one may be quite difficult when living in residential area. The most common sightings would be for those who live on farms or multiple acre properties close to areas susceptible to inhabitable wildlife, but as is the case with most wildlife, don't expect them to wander too close due to the cautiousness they would have with approaching humans. Luckily for us homo-sapiens, there is very little chance of...