SAN DIEGO (CBS 8) – A Sabre Springs neighborhood is on edge after bobcats were spotted a couple of weeks ago in a backyard on Briardale Way and show no signs of leaving any time soon.
For a couple of weeks, residents have noticed the bobcat which seems to come closer and closer to their homes.
The California Wildlife and Animal Control said they are aware of the bobcat issue, but there is not much they can do. Residents said they feel like they are the ones caged in.
“In no way, shape or form do I want a bobcat living this close. We have small dogs. We have kids who are young and we are really living in kind of a state of shock and fear,” said Bobby Caughey.
Caughey said the bobcat and her three cubs have his family threatened.
“The bobcat made its face and its presence known via growling and hissing back at the dogs,” said Caughey.
According to Caughey, when the bobcat came face-to-face with his dogs, he tossed a tricycle towards it.
“Our dogs were outside and they were just playing around and then we heard a scream. When we came outside one of our dogs was bleeding,” said Caughey.
The little dog had to have stitches on his legs and stomach.
The family also saw raccoon fur by their pool and believe the bobcat was behind the killing.
"We have to let the dogs out and walk out first with them and we usually have like a broom or something with us just in case we see the bobcat,” said Caughey.
After the family reported the cat to officials, State Fish and Wildlife gave two options: they could either kill it or leave it.
Animal Control suggested supervising all pets and making sure they are on a leash.