Bobcats are generally very wary of humans, posing little threat to public safety. Their wariness also means spotting them in the wild isn’t an incredibly common experience, primarily being active during just night, dawn, and dusk. However, especially between April and July when they may be caring for young, daytime bobcat sightings aren’t unheard of.
Texas based ultra runner Heather was cross training on her bike in Arlington’s River Legacy Park when she came across a bobcat wandering right along the bike trail. She had apparently spotted three more right when she got a flat, but wasn’t able to film them in time. The animal seems shockingly calm given that Heather walked right by it, but no doubt a cool exeperience.
Bobcats are fairly common throughout the Arlington area, especially near golf courses, creeks, green belts and parks. The city encourages trimming back excess vegetation that might provide cover, avoiding feeding birds or other wildlife which might attract bobcats, and never feeding the animals. Pet food and water shouldn’t be left inside, and pets should be kept indoors or in secure, protective cages or pens. You can read more on bobcat safety in Arlington here.
