Cape Coral man warns neighbors after spotting bobcats in his backyard

CAPE CORAL, Fla. — A Cape Coral man is alerting his neighbors to keep a close eye on their pets after he spotted two bobcats in his backyard in Northwest Cape Coral last week.

Ron Fiedel's own cats alerted him to something unusual outside, prompting him to investigate.

"This isn't just your average fox, your average coyote thing, this is incredible," said Fiedel.

Fiedel saw not just one, but two bobcats near his home.

"First thing I do is grab my camera first. I try to get it ready, and I start to see movement out here, and I see one of them, I think, go into the bushes, and then a bigger one and a smaller one," said Fiedel.

"I step out, and sure enough, I spot the big cat over here, and I slowly work my way closer and closer to it, trying to not scare it, thinking they're gonna bolt," he added.

His reaction was strong because his own cats were just across the yard.

"I know enough of what this animal is, that in a pack, they're probably hunting, and the last thing they saw are my cats," said Fiedel.

Fiedel posted the video to Facebook to warn others about the potential danger.

"I am just trying to warn them that if you have small pets and you're concerned about them, you gotta make a choice, because there's stuff out here that'll eat them," said Fiedel.

The post received grateful responses from people who appreciated the warning.

Fiedel hasn't seen the bobcats since last Saturday.

"I just don't wanna see them get harmed. I don't wanna see people hunting them down or trapping them. Just if they see them, be aware," said Fiedel.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said bobcats are common in the area and are often found in neighborhoods near mangroves and wooded areas. They typically hunt at night, so it is advised to keep small pets indoors.