A Washington homeowner who called 911 after hearing mysterious banging inside their house was shocked to learn that the “cat burglar” in question was entirely literal; a wild bobcat perched right at the top of the stairs.
The unexpected break-in occurred in Kirkland’s Moss Bay neighborhood. Police believe the bobcat climbed a nearby tree and leaped through an open window, likely drawn into the house after spotting the homeowner’s indoor cat.
To manage the situation safely without endangering the animal or humans, officers deployed a drone inside the home to track the bobcat’s movements from a distance. Bodycam and drone footage showed the bobcat growling defensively near the top of the staircase.
Officers successfully corralled the animal into an isolated room while awaiting backup from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Wildlife officials sedated the bobcat and safely released it back into its natural habitat near Forbes Creek.
Neither the homeowner, the officers, the bobcat, nor the resident’s domestic cat, who was found unharmed, suffered any injuries. Following the incident, wildlife officials reminded residents to give wild predators plenty of space, avoid feeding wildlife, and keep domestic pets indoors between dusk and dawn.
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