Bobcat sneaks into Kirkland home, mistaken for burglar
Sep 1, 2026, 9:48 AM
A bobcat in its natural habitat. (Photo courtesy of Northwest Trek Wildlife Parks Tacoma)
(Photo courtesy of Northwest Trek Wildlife Parks Tacoma)
A bobcat snuck into a home in Kirkland’s Moss Bay neighborhood, giving the homeowner quite the scare.
According to police, the homeowner called 911 after hearing banging and thought someone was inside their house.
“When officers arrived, they found the unexpected intruder perched at the top of the stairs: a bobcat,” the police department shared.
Officers believe the cat got in through an open window. It might’ve seen the homeowner’s cat and decided to follow it inside.
Police used a drone to monitor the bobcat’s movements inside and keep a safe distance.
The officers eventually isolated the bobcat until the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) could arrive. The department sedated the animal and later released it near Forbes Creek.
No one was hurt.
If you encounter a bobcat, give it plenty of space and never approach or feed it.
If a bobcat enters your home, move people and pets away from the area and call 911.
