Bobcat On The Loose

It started with people finding large paw prints on their cars, and eventually the culprit was spotted near the Camanche Trail Park. Now, there's a bobcat roaming the streets of Odessa, and if you see it...you should definitely stay away.

It's usually dogs that Odessa Animal Control is dealing with, but this week it's a cat they're looking for.

"We've had some sightings of a bobcat over there by the pond at Comanche Trail and we saw some prints out there," Bobby Sewell, Odessa Animal Control Supervisor, said.

Based on the sightings and the size of the paw prints, they believe it weighs about 20 lbs. Sewell says bobcats are on the move just before sunset, looking for dinner...and it could pose a threat to Odessans.

"You don't want to approach it or throw things at it. Make sure you keep food in the house at night and keep small animals in, because they're out hunting. That's what they're looking for...food and water," Sewell said.

They do not believe the bobcat is rabid, but are still warning residents to stay away from it if they see it.

"We've got some traps set out there at the pond. And we've got them baited with food, so if it gets in there...we'll trap it," Sewell said.

Once the bobcat is captured, it will be up to the game warden to decide what to do with it. If you see the bobcat, you're urged to call the Odessa Police Department at 432-333-3641.