WESTPORT — A growing number of bobcats and coyotes have been spotted on the prowl in Westport recently, police said in an advisory Monday, urging people to be aware of the possible threat posed to pets.

While bobcats have been spotted in the Westport area over the last 10 to 15 years, according to the advisory, more bobcats, as well as coyotes, have been seen in town and reported to Westport Animal Control over the last several weeks. This is typical seasonal behavior, police said, as bobcats and coyotes tend to leave areas around their dens in late summer.

There have been 52 bobcat sightings this year in Westport, according to data compiled by the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. The see an interactive map with local and statewide wildlife sightings, click here.

Bobcats, described by DEEP as one of the top predators in the state, now are regularly observed throughout Connecticut rebounding from near elimination in the early 1970s, the agency said. 

The cats usually prey on small animals, such as rabbits, squirrels, mice, birds and young deer. But they have been known, on occasion, to attack unsupervised domestic animals, including small livestock and poultry.

While bobcats generally shy away from contact with humans and their pets, they have been known to attack smaller dogs, particularly if a dog attempts to chase or corner a bobcat.

Dogs, especially those under 35 to 40 pounds, also are at risk to coyote attacks, the advisory noted. In fact, coyote encounters with domestic pets are more likely than with bobcats, which tend to be more elusive.

Anyone who spots a bobcat or coyote in their yard is advised to keep their pets indoors for a few hours, and when going outdoors later, to keep dogs leashed. Bobcats and coyotes typically cover a fair amount of ground daily and usually move on quickly. 

The best technique to frighten off bobcats and coyotes is to deploy high-decibel whistles or air horns, according to the advisory.

For questions about bobcat and coyote sightings, call Westport Animal Control at 203-341-5076. Sightings also can be reported to the state DEEP by clicking here.