Bobcat Locks Eyes With Camera In MA Neighborhood

DEDHAM, MA — A Dedham resident recently captured video of a bobcat roaming in town, offering a close look at Massachusetts' only native wild cat species.

Dedham Animal Control shared the video Wednesday as part of its "Wildlife Wednesday" series, thanking a resident named Pattie for documenting the sighting and encouraging others to coexist safely with local wildlife.

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You can watch the video here.

Bobcats are elusive animals that generally avoid people, according to Dedham Animal Control. They are about twice the size of a typical house cat and are distinguished by their short, "bobbed" tails.

Although bobcats sometimes appear during the day, they are most active around dawn and dusk. They primarily eat mice, rabbits, squirrels, chipmunks and birds but may target a small pet if given the opportunity, Dedham Animal Control said.

Officials advised residents to closely supervise small pets outdoors, particularly around dawn, dusk and overnight. Residents should also reduce intentional and unintentional outdoor food sources and haze wildlife to discourage animals from approaching people.

Late October and November mark a transition period when the behavior and routines of bobcats and other wildlife can change with the season, according to Dedham Animal Control.

"We have been doing a fantastic job of coexisting with wildlife here in Dedham, so keep doing what you are doing," the department said.

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