Washington homeowner hears mysterious banging, calls 911 before police find growling bobcat at top of stairs

A Washington homeowner called 911 reporting mysterious banging, only for police to discover a bobcat at the top of their stairs. Officers used a drone to monitor the animal and safely corralled it until wildlife officials arrived. The bobcat was sedated and released near its natural habitat, with officials advising residents to give bobcats space and secure pets.

• A homeowner in Kirkland, Washington, called 911 after hearing banging sounds inside their house, suspecting a burglary.
• Responding officers found a bobcat inside the residence, perched at the top of the stairs.
• Police used a drone to monitor the bobcat’s movements and safely contained it in a room until wildlife officials arrived.
• The bobcat was sedated and released near Forbes Creek, close to its natural habitat.
• Officials believe the bobcat entered through an open window, possibly attracted by the homeowner’s cat.
• Authorities advise residents to give bobcats plenty of space, keep pets indoors, and secure small livestock.