Saturday, September 06, 2008

Four-Legged Squatter Family "Pounces" At Chance To Move In To Vacant Foreclosed Home

In Lake Elsinore, California, KTLA-TV News reports:
  • As more and more southern Californians are moving out of their homes due to foreclosure, others are moving in. You might say the new residents of a Lake Elsinore home "pounced" on the opportunity to take up residence. Last week, neighbors of a well groomed home in Tuscany Hills began noticing that their new neighbors were acting like wild animals. In fact, they are wild animals. They're a family of bobcats.

  • Residents of the foothill community got their first look at the feline squatters late last month. At least two adults and three kittens, were lounging on top of a wall outside the spacious Spanish style home. [...] Four police cruisers showed up and officers ordered everyone to stay inside their homes. But, the officers along with neighbors, started snapping photos.

Based on the video coverage, local authorities will apparently not initiate eviction proceedings against the two adult bobcats (both females - adult males apparently don't stick around) and the three kittens. The neighbors are said to appreciate the way the family controls the local rabbit population. Animal control expects the family to vacate the premises peaceably in a few weeks, when the kittens are old enough to travel. The home has been sitting empty for at least six months, neighbors say.

For more, see Bobcats Move into Foreclosed Home (read story) (watch video).

For story update, see The Californian: Steps taken to shoo off bobcats (Animal spotted again Friday; residents remain calm). squatter foreclosure zebra