Bobcats in Bexar County — What to know if you see one

A bobcat was found Sunday along the side of Loop 410 near Rigsby Avenue in Bexar County. The man who photographed the bobcat thought it may have been hit by a car.

SAN ANTONIO — You might not know they’re there — but bobcats are all around Texas.

One recently turned up in an unexpected place, leaving questions about how it got there and reminding us that these wild cats can live surprisingly close to people.

A bobcat was found Sunday along the side of Loop 410 near Rigsby Avenue in Bexar County. The circumstances surrounding how the animal ended up there are unclear.

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The man who photographed the bobcat thought it may have been hit by a car.

Rachel Malstaff, director of mammals at the San Antonio Zoo, says bobcats are found throughout Texas, particularly in southern parts of the state.

“A lot of people just don’t realize that they’re here because they don’t see them,” Malstaff said.

That’s partly because bobcats generally prefer to keep their distance from people.

But their presence can actually benefit communities. Bobcats are carnivores, and their diet commonly includes rats, squirrels and rabbits.

“They’re very good for rodent control,” Malstaff said. “Their main source of food is rats, squirrels, rabbits.”

Texas Parks and Wildlife says bobcats will take advantage of potential food sources, which can sometimes bring them closer to neighborhoods.

There are several things homeowners can do to make their property less attractive to wildlife. That includes keeping pet food indoors, picking up fallen fruit, securing trash and avoiding leaving food or water outside that could attract wildlife. Texas Parks and Wildlife also advises people not to let their pets roam freely.

Malstaff says water can also be a factor, particularly during hot or dry conditions.

“A lot of times bobcats may come closer to humans if they’re in search of water,” she said.

If you see a bobcat, the most important thing is to give it space.

Bobcats typically prefer to avoid people and will often run away if startled. Experts advise against approaching, cornering or feeding one.

If a bobcat begins showing unusual behavior around people — particularly if it appears comfortable approaching humans or has become accustomed to being fed — experts recommend contacting local animal services or Texas Parks and Wildlife.

For the most part, though, seeing a bobcat is simply a reminder that wildlife may be much closer than we realize.