06/11/2026
Bobcats are one of many animals that make up the urban wildlife population in our community. While bobcats typically keep their distance from humans, sightings do increase each spring and summer as they search for food and places to care for their young.
Killing/trapping/relocation is not the solution. If you reduce the population, those that are left have a better food source and produce larger and stronger litters.
The goal of NRH Animal Services is to educate the public on how to minimize opportunities for conflict with wildlife and foster a relationship of mutual respect so we can live together safely.
The following precautions can help people and bobcats safely co-exist:
• Never intentionally or unintentionally feed wildlife. Keep pet food and water inside. Put trash bags in cans with a secured lid.
• Walk your dog on a leash and keep cats inside at all times; not only is it the law, but it will keep your pet safe. Accompany small children and pets outside, even if your yard is fenced.
• Keep your property well-lit at night, especially when you go out with your dog for the last potty break before bed. Bring dogs inside at night.
• Trim hedges and keep underbrush cleaned out from around your yard so the bobcats do not have a hiding place. Close off crawl spaces under porches, decks and sheds. Bobcats use such areas for resting and raising young.
• Do not approach wild animals. If you see a bobcat, make loud noises to scare them away. Loud whistles, portable air horns and vehicle horns can be effective. You can even carry an umbrella that you can open and close rapidly to scare them away.
It is not necessary to report a sighting of a bobcat that is acting appropriately and non-aggressively. If you sense that a bobcat is behaving abnormally or aggressively, please report it to North Richland Hills Animal Services at 817-427-6570.
