The Wildlife Of Downtown Houston...!

I told ya this was a wild and crazy town!

This story just shows how wild things really are! Maybe it's just that things have gotten so out of control in the "burbs, the wildlife has moved further downtown for reasons of safety!

Bobcat captured in downtown Houston garage

By MIKE GLENN
Copyright 2010 Houston Chronicle
March 2, 2010, 5:04PM

Reports of a wild animal roaming about a downtown parking garage this morning did not initially raise much concern for officials at Houston's Bureau of Animal Regulation and Care.

“We thought that it was going to be a house cat,” said Chris Glaser, with BARC. “But, it did turn out to be a bobcat.“

The bobcat was spotted shortly after 10:45 a.m. inside the garage in the 500 block of Rusk near Smith.

Several people had seen the animal moving along the cars parked in the garage. Security officers blocked off the area as animal control workers moved in.

“It was trying to hide under the cars when we got there,” Glaser said. “It may have been asleep there overnight and woken up.”

BARC officials decided a tranquilizer dart would be the safest method to subdue the animal. The first dart was ineffective, so the dosage for a second was increased and officials were able to capture the dozing bobcat.

The bobcat was about 30 pounds and 3-feet long.

“It was a healthy male with a good muscle tone,” Glaser said “It seemed in fine condition.”

Bobcats are native to the Houston area and, even with urban growth, they have been spotted in the city.

“They do come up through the bayous. They have been found in various areas,” Glaser said.

A staff veterinarian checked the animal , which was later released into the wild at Brazos Bend State Park, BARC officials said.

“It's a nice area,” Glaser said. “There are a lot of bobcats in that area.”

Bet they don't have many street people sleeping in the parking garages in the downtown area! I know I wouldn't!

Now, how about some coffee on the patio? Of course, it may start raining, ya know?