POLK COUNTY, Fla. — Why did the bobcat cross the road? To follow the alligator… and it’s all caught on video!
Cathy Terry recorded a chance encounter between a bobcat following a gator crossing the street in Polk County. Terry thought she was in for another traffic jam, but boy, was she way off the mark.
With her cell phone in hand and astonishment filling her body, she snapped pics of the reptile before another surprise appeared before her.
Terry then noticed an adult bobcat seemingly appear out of nowhere and follow the gator.
Was it there for a wildlife turf war or just to catch up with a scaly companion? Either way, in the words of Terry, the encounter was “AWESOME!!!!!!!”.
MORE ON AMERICAN ALLIGATORS
According to the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), the American alligator is one of two crocodilians native to the State of Florida.
As most people probably know, American alligators have a very similar appearance to American crocodiles. However, there are some distinctions between the two.
The FWC said alligators have broad and round snouts with no lower teeth visible when they have their jaws closed. American crocodiles have narrow snouts, and the fourth tooth of their lower jaw sticks out when shut.
Female alligators are lucky to exceed 10 feet in length, while males are known to grow much larger with the state record being a 14-feet-3 1/2-inch male found in Brevard County.
Alligators’ diets consist of snakes, turtles, smaller mammals, rough fish and birds.
The FWC said the American alligator is also federally protected by the Endangered Species Act as a threatened species, partially due to their similar appearance to the American crocodile.
MORE ON BOBCATS
This is not your average house cat as bobcats double the size of any feline friend you may own.
According to the FWC, bobcats are usually tan to yellowish brown with dark brown or black streaks.
Bobcats tend to inhabit the deep forests, swamps and hammock lands of Florida. The FWC said bobcats can range five or six square miles in rural areas and cover their territory at a slower pace.
They are known to be excellent hunters who hunt by sight and mostly at night. Bobcats tend to feast on squirrels, rabbits and rats in Florida. They may even eat feral cats or domestic chickens.
With their stealthy skills, it’s not common to see bobcats roaming around despite their large population, according to the FWC.
Tyler Watkins
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