What might attract wandering bobcat to San Jose neighborhood?

"You're probably seeing only one bobcat and yes, most likely it was looking for food, which can include small pets, rodents, chickens and other birds, and smallish wildlife. Your neighborhood could be part of its territory, or it might also have just been passing through. Even though you don't have pets, you and your neighbors should take a look at what you might accidentally be offering the bobcat, such as water from pools, fountains or birdbaths."

"Overgrown shrubs might be providing shelter. Bird feeders also might interest a bobcat, not because it likes birdseed, but because it likes the birds and rodents that like the birdseed. Those who do have pets and small children should never leave them outside unattended, and if a bobcat wanders in an area where you don't want it, make loud noises or toss tennis balls in its direction to scare it away."

Bobcats rarely threaten humans; attacks occur when the animal is threatened or infected with rabies. Sightings typically indicate a lone bobcat searching for food such as small pets, rodents, chickens, and birds; the neighborhood may be part of its territory or simply along its route. Reduce attractants by removing standing water from pools, fountains, and birdbaths, and by trimming overgrown shrubs that provide shelter. Bird feeders can draw birds and rodents that interest bobcats. Never leave pets or young children outside unattended. To deter an unwanted bobcat, make loud noises or toss objects like tennis balls toward it.

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