DEDHAM, MA — A bobcat was spotted on a Dedham sidewalk, where it appeared relaxed and looked straight toward the camera. A video shared by Dedham Animal Control showed the wildcat sitting in a residential area, with its tail twitching while it remained unbothered by nearby homes.

At a glance

• Animal: A bobcat, the only native wildcat species found in Massachusetts.
• Where: A neighborhood sidewalk in Dedham, Massachusetts.
• When: The video was posted Thursday.
• What happened: A civilian sent in video of the cat sitting calmly on the sidewalk.
• Status: The bobcat was still at large and appeared to move through the neighborhood on its own.
• Anyone hurt: No injuries were reported.

What happened

Dedham Animal Control posted the clip on Facebook after a resident sent in the sighting. In the video, the bobcat can be seen on a sidewalk in a residential area, pausing long enough to seem comfortable with the camera pointed at it.

The animal did not appear agitated in the footage. Its tail moved as it sat beside the sidewalk, giving the impression of a brief, quiet stop rather than a tense encounter.

Animal control described the cat as a bobcat and noted that it is the only native wildcat species in Massachusetts. Officials also said seasonal weather changes can affect bobcat behavior at this time of year.

The sighting did not come with a report of any aggressive behavior or injuries. The video instead showed a wild animal moving through a place where people live and pass by every day.

About the animal

Bobcats are medium-sized wild cats, usually about twice the size of a house cat. They have short tails with a dark tip, tufted ears, and a spotted coat that helps them blend into brush and woods.

They generally hunt smaller animals, including mice, rabbits and chipmunks. Bobcats usually keep their distance from people and spend much of their time avoiding human activity, especially when they have room to slip away.

In Massachusetts, bobcats are the state’s only native wildcat species. They are present in wooded and suburban areas, and while they are not commonly dangerous to people, they can pose a risk to small pets if given an opportunity.

If you encounter one

Wildlife officials advise people to keep their distance, stay calm and give a bobcat a clear path to leave. Do not approach, corner or try to feed it, and never attempt to pick it up or move it yourself.

If you have children or small pets outside, bring them in right away and supervise animals closely at dawn, dusk and overnight, when bobcats are more active. Keep pets leashed or contained, and avoid leaving food outdoors that could draw wildlife closer.

If a bobcat acts unusually bold, appears injured or will not leave, contact local animal control or the Massachusetts state wildlife agency for guidance. In most cases, officials recommend observation from a safe distance rather than direct contact.

What happens next

Dedham Animal Control did not indicate that the bobcat needed to be captured or relocated after the sighting. The public guidance focused instead on awareness and keeping pets supervised around the times bobcats are most active.

Residents who see another bobcat in the area can report it to local animal control so officials can decide whether follow-up is needed.

Spotted a dangerous animal where you live? Report it to your state wildlife agency or local animal control.