Be careful on rec path...

[Margie]

This morning at 10 am I was outside in my backyard with my little dog, Jose. While he was busy sniffing, I noticed what looked like a mound of debris down at the bottom of my lawn, as the sun was bright and I couldn't quite make it out. As Jose continued walking down the yard, I got closer and realized the mound was actually a cat-like animal. It was staring at Jose. I started yelling and hurried down toward Jose. The cat turned and just looked at me, and finally got up and took off, into the wetland area, along toward the football field.

It was a bobcat. At 10 am on a sunny warm Sunday morning. It was within about 35 yards of the rec path and there were people out walking at this time.

I know some people walk their dogs off leash down there, and want to warn everyone. I have no idea where it's living, but I now realize this is not the first time I was it in my yard. I saw it about a week ago around 6:15 in the morning, but thought it was a coon cat or something. It's more than a bit concerning. Poor Jose will now need to be on leash in his own yard even during the day... 

[Stand Alone Defense]

I'm sure this is the same one I have seen Hunting across from Nan's Mobile.  It has been around since last fall, I agree though it is concerning with small pets.

[khort]

I understand with someone having a pet but would they be aggressive toward people or are they just as afraid of us? As i sometimes walk the rec. path alone.

[Stand Alone Defense]

I understand with someone having a pet but would they be aggressive toward people or are they just as afraid of us? As i sometimes walk the rec. path alone.

I would not worry about them as a person khort.  They would likely see you as a threat and avoid you assuming they are not injured, have rabies or protecting their young.  Never hurts to carry a small thing of pepper spray though for possible scenarios with people, dogs or other wildlife.