Caution Urged: Louisiana Residents Spot a Bobcat in Their Neighborhood

You might see cats and dogs roaming a typical neighborhood in South Louisiana, but you surely don't ever expect to see a bobcat in a residential area.

According to Rayne Police Chief Caroll Stelly, they are warning residents after a video surfaced of a bobcat walking around the Carmichaels Apartments.

You can see the bobcat doing a lazy stroll through the area. He might be looking for something to snack on. Whoever shot this video has a good eye. You see the bobcat strolling, but then the camera backs all the way up to the apartments and zooms back in. Check this out:

I think that it goes without saying you should NEVER approach a wild animal and NEVER feed a wild animal.

According to louisianafur.com, bobcats are naturally curious animals and they are good tree-climbers! Who knew? That sounds like a scary and deadly combination.

Here is some other advice from Chief Stelly:

• Since bobcats are reclusive, they usually aren't going to bother people, but don't go near them.

• Be mindful of where your children and pets are when they are outside.

• Bobcats are most active during dawn and dusk.

Make sure you are fully aware that dusk and dawn are the times when animals are looking for their next meal and if they have ventured into your area make sure you are not letting your pets off their leash.

Well, we don't have an answer to that question just yet, but we do know the reason Chief Stelly put up this video is to let people know of this safety concern.

The apartment complex where this was recorded is north of I-10 on Highway 35 so Stelly says be aware in these and other areas.

Did you know there is actually a season for bobcats? The season is typically from mid-November through the end of March according to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.