See: Bobcat Slinks Through Backyard In Worcester

WORCESTER, MA — Here's video proof that the biggest predatory cat in Massachusetts calls Worcester home. A local resident captured a bobcat slinking through a yard early one recent morning.

The video was captured on Jan. 11 just after 4 a.m. and later posted on the Neighbors app. The video comes after an unidentified creature was captured on camera in Worcester. Some speculated it was a mountain lion — but a state wildlife expert who reviewed the video for Patch thought it looked like a bobcat.

In fact, bobcats are really common in central and western parts of Massachusetts. And they are the only predatory cat left in the state — there's no evidence of breeding mountain lions, also called cougars, here. They were hunted out of existence long ago.

But bobcats are breeding plentifully here. In fact, their breeding season begins around February, so more sightings are possible in coming months. Although they are carnivores, bobcats don't post a threat to humans. House cats and chickens (and perhaps small dogs) are another story. The state has a handy tip sheet for living near bobcats.

Here's the video. And if you like local bobcats, make sure to check out this fight between two of the wild cats that happened in a Grafton backyard last February.

Ring, the owner of the Neighbors app, is a Patch advertiser. Patch received no compensation for this article.