Bobcat found swimming in Illinois lake

CARBONDALE, Ill. (WICS/WRSP) — An Illinois man made a startling discovery at Cedar Lake in Carbondale, Ill.

A bobcat was spotted swimming across the lake on October 7th.

We've reached out to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and they say bobcats are native to the state of Illinois.

Bobcats do cross bodies of water on occasion but they do spend most of their time on land.

IDNR says they're likely more commonly seen this time of year, as it is hunting season and hunters are out and about.

Bobcats are most commonly found in areas of Illinois with strong habitats.

In terms of safety, IDNR urges the public to leave wildlife 'wild' - in other words, if you spot a bobcat or any other wildlife, don't interact with it, feed it or put yourself in harm's way.