The Middlesex Fells were created to be, and are serving as, a refuge for us and for the many native species that once thrived in the greatly reduced natural habitats found in its environs. It is not surprising to find what are now unusual species in the Fells. Unusual in the sense of being native to the area but that are not typically seen in our more landscaped and disturbed suburbs. These sightings of organisms that are otherwise rarely seen are one of the many things that make Middlesex Fells a special place. This summer there was a really rare and unusual sighting that took place here. A bobcat.
Bobcats are not often seen nor are they likely to be living in most places around the northwestern suburbs of Boston. This animal was both spotted and photographed by George McLean in July of 2009. It was a juvenile cat and was present in the woods around the Brooks Estate. As quickly as it was spotted it was gone.
These cats are not a rarity in the state but are unusual for the eastern areas, especially so close to Boston. The Fells do offer some great habitat for Bobcats and since they tend to be secretive animals. This sighting opens up the possibility that there is an established population of bobcats in the park.
You can read more about the sighting from this Boston Globe story.