Bobcat Roams Keller Block Near Johnson And Pearson, Triggers Safety Alert

Neighbors near Johnson and Pearson in Keller got an unexpected wildlife sighting today when a bobcat was spotted moving through nearby green space, prompting a public safety alert from the city. Officials said the cat was seen in a suburban open area and asked residents to give it plenty of space and to keep small pets close. The alert included a photo credited to Erin McMinn and reminded everyone that bobcats generally steer clear of people.

What Keller Public Safety Posted

According to Keller Public Safety, the bobcat was reported near Johnson, close to Pearson. The post urged residents to keep a safe distance, supervise small pets outside, and follow local leash rules. Officials added that people should call Animal Services if the animal appears sick, trapped, severely injured, is acting aggressively toward people, or seems unusually comfortable approaching humans.

Bobcat Basics For North Texas

Texas Parks & Wildlife Department notes that bobcats are native to North Texas and are medium-sized wildcats. Adults typically weigh about 12 to 20 pounds, although older males can reach the mid 30s. The agency says bobcats are mostly crepuscular, meaning they are most active at dawn and dusk, but they can be seen during the day while hunting or moving between areas.

Why They Show Up In Neighborhoods

A 2019 study from the National Institutes of Health on urban bobcats in the Dallas–Fort Worth area found that these cats use creeks, greenbelts, and other natural patches inside the metroplex as travel and hunting corridors, which helps explain suburban sightings. That pattern is reflected in municipal guidance across North Texas. For example, the City of Arlington notes that bobcats are often seen near golf courses, creeks, and parks, and that conflicts typically stem from unsecured food or pet dishes.

Protecting Pets And Reporting Sightings

The City of Keller says its pet laws require animals outside the home to be confined to the premises or secured by a leash, and officials emphasize that residents should keep a close eye on small pets, especially around dawn and dusk. For non-emergencies, Keller directs residents to Regional Animal Services. Wildlife groups like DFW Wildlife recommend removing outdoor food sources and using noise or bright lights to encourage a bobcat to move along, rather than trying to approach it.

Bobcat attacks on people are extremely rare, the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department notes, but sick or habituated animals can behave unpredictably and should be reported. Officials encourage residents to enjoy any sightings from a safe distance and to contact Keller Animal Services or 911 in an emergency so specialists can respond and continue monitoring urban wildlife activity.