Bobcats have recolonized this area for over a decade. Numerous recent sightings have caused alarm on social media.
According to the Westport Police Department, bobcats are “generally unobtrusive neighbors. They are very focused on finding prey, which primarily consists of rodents like mice, rats, chipmunks, squirrels and rabbits. They also prey upon young or infirm deer.
“Bobcats avoid conflict with humans and pets, but could pose a threat to small, unattended dogs, particularly if the dog were to chase the cat.”
Police recommend close supervision of small pets. Dogs smaller than 35 to 40 pounds can be at risk from coyotes, particularly if the dog is older.
“Bobcats generally retreat from encounters with dogs, but there is potential for a dangerous encounter if the cat is cornered,” police say.
“As we enter late summer, parent coyotes and bobcats leave their denning areas. Several citizens have seen bobcat kittens and coyote pups playing in their yards. These juvenile animals pose no threat to humans, and they will gradually become more wary of people as they get older.
“Any time you see a coyote or bobcat in your yard, it is advisable to keep your pets indoors for a few hours, then walk the dog on a lead when going out. Bobcats and coyotes typically cover a fair amount of ground each day, and they move on quickly.
“The same hazing strategies used for coyotes (high-decibel storm whistle or air horn) are effective for bobcats. If you are concerned about frequent sightings, or would like more information, contact Westport Animal Control: 203-341-5076.”
Bobcat (Photo/Sean Hogan)
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Tonight’s Long Lots School Building Committee special meeting (Tuesday, August 1, 6 p.m., Town Hall Room 309) begins with public comment and/or questions about the project.
An agenda revision posted yesterday notes that the public comment portion of the agenda will be limited to 15 minutes.
Members then meet for a work session with the design team, for project status updates and review. The public can attend the work session, but cannot participate.
Long Lots Elementary School.
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Seasonal employees — lifeguards, marina staffs and guest services workers — are the summer lifeblood of Westport’s Parks & Recreation Department.
Yesterday evening, those young men and women were treated to a pizza dinner at (appropriately) Compo’s South Beach.
Selectwomen Jen Tooker and Andrea Moore joined department officials in saying “thanks” to the crews that guard the Sound and Longshore pool, greet visitors, and keep our town jewels shining.
Some of the guests at yesterday’s “thank you” party. Parks & Recreation officials included (far left) deputy director Rick Giunta and aquatics director Danilo Sierra-Giraldo and, from far right, waterfront operations foreman Michael Giunta and operations director Carm Roda. (Photo/Dan Woog
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Check out the new “06880” header (the photo at the top of our home page).
The beach sunset/moonrise photo comes courtesy of Chris Harris. Enjoy it below, too:
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A webinar on how to lower energy costs is set for Thursday (August 3, 6 p.m.).
Representatives from the federal Department of Energy and state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection will describe a variety of money-saving programs.
The online event is sponsored by Congressman Jim Himes. Click here for the link (visible when the webinar begins).
Need help paying for solar panels? Find out how at Thursday’s webinar.
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Friday’s Tacombi fundraiser for Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Services just got even better.
In addition to a sneak peek at the sure-to-be-hot new Mexican restaurant on the Post Road near Southport — and an opportunity to support one of our town’s most important organizations — guests will be entertained by Jake Bernard.
The 2011 Staples High School graduate — known then as Jake Yarmoff — will add his own special touch to the evening.
The event begins at 5:30 p.m. Click here for tickets, and more information.
Jake Bernard
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Speaking of new restaurants: Emmy Squared opens August 21.
The Brooklyn-based restaurant is known for its “Detroit-style pizza”: square, crisp bottom, fluffy dough, cheesy crust and sauce strpes.
Their double-stack burger — served on a pretzel bun — was named one of the “20 Best Burgers in New York” by The Infatuation.
There are 8 location: New York, Nashville, Philadelphia, Washington and Louisville. Number 9 is the site of the now-closed Amis Trattoria, in Bedford Square.
Pizzas from Emmy Squared.
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Speaking of openings:
Tend comes to town tomorrow.
The “national dental provider that promises to make you look forward to the dentist” unveils its first Connecticut location at 1375 Post Road East (next to Ulta Beauty).
It’s the 25th overall in the nation. The dentists also have “studios” in New York, Washington, Boston, Atlanta and Nashville. They launched in 2019.
A press release says: “Tend is a full service dentistry that aims to serve all your oral care needs under one roof — from exams and cleanings to restorative care, oral surgery, orthodontics, cosmetic treatments and more. Tend is technology-driven, which means booking online is seamless, there are no wait times when you arrive because all intake is done digitally and in advance, and they even have an app so you can track your treatment journey at your fingertips.”
Tend works with “most major insurance providers.”
Tend’s Westport location is between Ulta Beauty and Balducci’s.
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Carl Addison Swanson reports that his August Book of the Month — “Fat People Are Harder to Kidnap” — is in its 2nd edition. It’s also been optioned to film.
Click here for all his books. Click the “Hush McCormick” tab for “Fat People.”
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This week’s “This Week in Weston” podcast features two of the town’s 1st Selectwomen.
Elected official Sam Nestor introduces Riley Crafts, the town’s “1st Selectwoman For A Day.” Seven-year-old Riley shares her impressions, experiences and questions about her experience.
Click below to listen to the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston production.
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The sun is out. Joe Carpenter’s scaevola enjoys every ray, in today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured photo.
(Photo/Joe Carpenter)
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And finally … in honor of Tend coming to Westport (story above):
(Horrors! You’ve forgotten to contribute to “06880”! Don’t fear — click here. Thank you!)
