Quick Take
- What looks like two animals playing around a tree is actually something far more intense. Watch the chase unfold →
- A squirrel's best defense against a bobcat isn't what most people would guess. See the squirrel's escape →
- Experts say you should never intervene when you spot a hunt like this. Why you shouldn't intervene →
Hunting among wild animals can often look like a game of cat and mouse, with the animals running around each other. While one tries to get its next meal, the other is trying to survive another day. One of these encounters was caught on camera between a bobcat and a squirrel. The YouTube Short from @compassmedia2022 shows the two circling a tree in both a comedic and intense hunt. Read here to learn more.
Bobcats are opportunistic hunters that eat any small mammals they can get hold of.
©Travis Potter/Shutterstock.com
A Game of Bobcat and Squirrel
The video above provides a great look at a natural hunt. Recorded from the safety of indoors, a bobcat and a squirrel continuously climb up and down a tree. As soon as the squirrel thinks it’s out of the bobcat’s view, the bobcat pounces in an attempt to grab it before climbing back up the tree. While it’s an intense situation for both animals, from the outside, it almost looks like they’re simply playing. The constant zig-zagging and climbing, along with the bobcat’s multiple failed attempts to grab the squirrel, are pretty humorous to watch. However, this is most likely a hunt, with the bobcat trying to secure its next meal. Thankfully for the squirrel, its quick thinking and agility allow it to seemingly get away.
Squirrels are a natural prey of bobcats.
©Wirestock Creators/Shutterstock.com
Is This An Everyday Sight?
In the wild, squirrels are a typical prey for bobcats. Bobcats are known as opportunistic hunters, meaning they adapt their diet to what is available. Small mammals like rabbits, squirrels, rats, and more are all fair game for these cats. So when they see a lone squirrel, it’s not a surprise that they’ll try their best to hunt it down. Bobcats are the most common and widespread wildcat species in the United States. They inhabit forests, deserts, mountains, and even suburban areas.
Bobcats are extremely adaptable, and as long as there is enough cover from trees and rocks, and enough prey to eat, they can call an area home. So while a bobcat hunt like in the video above isn’t necessarily an everyday sight, it’s not entirely surprising either. While it may be amazing to see hunts like this happen, it’s important to let nature run its course and not get involved, especially for your own safety.
