Posted on 04/09/2015 6:06:44 AM PDT by Clint N. Suhks
Dramatic photograph appears to be real, experts say.
Many species of cats are great fishers, and bobcats are no exception. But one bobcat created an extraordinary fish tale when it pulled a shark out of the surf.
The dramatic moment was caught on camera by John Bailey in Vero Beach, Florida, Monday night, when he was walking along Sebastian Inlet State Park. Bailey has not yet responded to a request for comment but he told local media that he saw the cat fishing in the surf.
Suddenly, the cat leaped and dragged a shark three to four feet long (one meter) out of the water. Bailey photographed the action. The bobcat, seemingly startled, then ran off into the woods, leaving the shark on the beach.
Liz Barraco, a spokesperson for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, says “we have no reason to believe [the photograph is] fake."
Bobcats are known to eat a variety of mammals and birds and they occasionally eat fish, notes Barraco. “But this is the first time we’ve seen them fishing in saltwater.”
Still, it’s not too surprising since bobcats are opportunistic predators, she says.
National Geographic Photo Editor Ken Geiger adds that an examination of Bailey's image, which was made on an iPhone 6, suggests it is authentic.
Seth Riley, a wildlife biologist, University of California, Los Angeles professor, and National Geographic explorer who works for the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area in California, said via email that he hasn't seen "anything like that" before in his years studying bobcats. But the behavior "doesn't surprise me," he notes.
(Excerpt) Read more at news.nationalgeographic.com ...
Wusscat, more likely.
Bobcats here in Michigan are half that size full grown. Have pointed fur tufted ear tips are mostly nocturnal and mostly seen on game cams. That daytime behavior is much more cougar like. Big dangerous cats. A very good reason to always carry a firearm.
Actually...okay....I really don’t give a hoot myself. Just a big looking cat to me for supposedly being in Florida. Bobcat, cougar, panther, mountain lion - whatever.
That’s what I thought. A really big Bobcat. The ones around where we live tend to be smaller. I’d be a little nervous around that one.
I think it’s just the perspective. If you look at the cat, it has the markings of a bobcat. It has a ruffled pointy cheeks, its coat is not sleek like a panther, and finally, spots are visible on the hind legs. It also looks thin which could account for the aggressive fishing. Lol
Probably not as big as it looks in the picture. Dogfish (the shark in the pic) aren’t really very big.
Add Texas to that list. That’s what we’ve always called them.
Article said one meter shark.
You can watch it, too:
Youtube: The Other Guys - Lion vs Tuna
We’ve got bobcats in our suburban neighborhood here in McKinney, TX. They stay away from people. Small pets are in danger from them though.
I’d like to meet the person that measured it.
Okay... I am beyond surprised. I have referred to them as “dogfish” on fishing boats and non-Marylanders have said, “huh... I thought it was some kind of shark”. I seriously learn something on FR every single day! Thanks, al :)
I’m done here. It’s a waste of time, frankly.
Now I know.
Is a Puma a different cat?
Recon that’s why they call em BOB cats??
“That’s a big damn bobcat for Florida IMO.”
I first saw this picture a few days ago and the shark was described as being “4 feet”. That looks about right and if so, that looks more like a Florida panther. The tail may be turned away in the picture making it appear short. That’s a big cat!
Like you I looked at the first posting which wasn’t as clear as this one is. This one you can make out spots on that critters coat. It’s big Bob Cat ! After seeing a posting of a 4 foot rabbit here why not a big Bobcat ?
I was reading the other thread and realized this was supposedly taken in Sebastian Inlet State Park. At the risk of beating this to death, if the photo was taken on the west side of the park along the Indian River, the shadows could be consistent with setting sun, I think. IDK if the beach/terrain and presence of a shark make sense there though.
Really? Okay …..
o.O
There is no rolling surf on the Indian river or a sandy beach.....
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