HARFORD COUNTY, Md. – A Harford County neighbor's home video captured an amazing first for the area, a bobcat sighting confirmed on camera.
He then contacted the Susquehannock Wildlife Society.
RELATED: First bobcat sighting confirmed in Harford County
John Garrison, the society's conservation director, told WMAR-2 News why this is so exciting.
First bobcat sighting confirmed in Harford County
Camera captures bobcat for first time in Harford County
“If we see a new species like this in an area, it could mean that populations are increasing or that individuals are moving across the landscape,” Garrison said. “When there are more animals in the landscape, that usually means there is greater biodiversity and the landscape is truly intact.”
He said the wildlife society receives hundreds of reports of bobcats in the area.
“But it ended up being either deer or coyotes, raccoons, foxes, things like that.”
But when they saw the telltale signs of a short snout, pinned ears and cat-like legs that stalked around like a jaguar, they knew it was the real thing.
Gabriella and Isabella Quadrelli grew up hiking through Gunpowder Falls State Park and said they had never heard of anything like it before.
“It scared me a little bit. I just don't know much about bobcats, but I know it's kind of not dangerous, but it's interesting that they're out there,” Gabby said.
“I think it's kind of cool. Usually when we go on our hikes I always think, 'Oh my God, I wonder if we're going to see a bear or something,' and now that there's a bobcat, I think it's kind of cool,” Isabella added.
It's unclear whether the animal was alone or with others, or why it was in the area at all.
Garrison said it could have just been passing through or staying there looking for food.
He believes a big part of the story is about how the bobcat was spotted.
“I think these new technologies are really helping us understand wildlife better and confirm these sightings, and I think that's a really important part.”
He said the chance of encountering a bobcat in the area is very low and it is very rare for one to attack you.
But if you do come across one, give it space and walk away.