NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Two bobcats spotted in Ravenwood Park have led to safety concerns for visitors in the Donelson-Hermitage area. However, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) said it’s a rare sight since bobcats are solitary animals.
“That’s why I’m so shocked!” park visitor Carole James said after learning about the sighting while walking her dog. “I’m just surprised there would be bobcats in a park in Hermitage.”
Several people visiting the park reported seeing the bobcats on social media. While they’re not worried about being attacked, they fear for their small pets.
Bobcats have always called Tennessee home, but they typically run away from people and only attack small prey. The TWRA believes as more rural land is developed, the chances of seeing bobcats will grow.
TWRA spokesperson Barry Cross advises everyone who encounters a bobcat to scare it away if it doesn’t run away on its own. Also, make sure you keep any small pets away from the bobcat’s area to protect them from becoming its dinner.
“You may not see them because they’re active early and late in the day, but they’re there,” Cross said.
To learn more about bobcats, visit the TWRA’s website. You can also send any bobcat pictures or videos to News 2’s Kenley Hargett by emailing [email protected].
