A Kirkland, Washington homeowner's fear of a burglary turned into an unusual encounter with wildlife when police responded to a 911 call and found a bobcat inside the residence.
The incident occurred last week in the Moss Bay neighborhood when the resident reported hearing banging sounds within their home. Responding officers from the Kirkland Police Department discovered the bobcat perched at the top of the stairs, growling, according to video released by the department.
To safely manage the situation, authorities utilized a drone to monitor the animal's movements while maintaining a secure distance. The bobcat was eventually corralled into an isolated room until officials from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife arrived.
Wildlife officials sedated the bobcat and subsequently released it near Forbes Creek, an area close to its natural habitat. No injuries were reported among the homeowner, responding officers, or the bobcat.
Investigators believe the bobcat may have gained entry by climbing a tree and jumping through an open window. It's possible the animal was attracted to the homeowner's cat, which was found unharmed inside the residence.
Officials are reminding residents to maintain a safe distance from bobcats, avoid feeding them, and to keep pets, especially smaller livestock and poultry, secured, particularly between dusk and dawn.