Arapahoe County warns of bobcat roaming Centennial neighborhood

An elusive creature was spotted roaming through a Centennial neighborhood, photos shared by the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office show. The bobcat walked across a road and prowled through yards in the area of South Holly Street and East Dry Creek Road, deputies said in a post on X. One photo shows the critter crawling across a fence between homes and looking toward the person snapping the picture.

Bobcats are secretive, seldomly seen medium-sized wild cats and are proficient predators, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife. They hunt rodents and other small animals and contribute to healthy ecosystems.

Deputies warned residents to be alert and on the lookout for the bobcat. Pet owners should keep pets on a leash when they're outdoors and bring them indoors if possible. Make sure to give the bobcat plenty of space, and do not approach it or try to feed it, the sheriff's office said. Report any aggressive behavior to local authorities.