Wild cats spotted near BSU

BOISE (AP) - A bobcat was spotted on the Boise State University campus Sunday night and early Monday morning, a university spokesman says.

The bobcat was reported near the Greenbelt on the west end of campus, spokesman Frank Zang said in an email to the campus community.

In addition, a mountain lion was spotted off campus at Ninth and Myrtle streets, Zang said.

Such sightings are rare. "I don't think I've ever heard of a bobcat on campus," said university spokeswoman Kathleen Tuck, who has worked 11 years for Boise State.

She hasn't seen a mountain lion on campus in that time either.

Bobcats are about twice the size of house cats. Mountain lions, also known as cougars, are larger. They can be 3 to 5 feet tall and can weigh 130 pounds or more.

A 70-pound mountain lion was spotted a month ago in Kuna. That led a state Fish and Game official to caution people to keep their pets inside at night.

Anyone who sees either animal is advised to keep away. If you spot either type of cat on campus, you're asked to call Campus Security at 426-1453.