Residents in an unspecified McKinney neighborhood reported seeing a lone bobcat kitten in May, prompting a response from McKinney Animal Services. The agency collaborated with Project Coyote to assess the situation and determined the young animal appeared healthy and was behaving normally. A video later circulated online showing an adult bobcat retrieving the kitten and carrying it into a storm drain.
City officials noted that bobcats are a natural part of the local ecosystem and sightings are common, especially when rabbit populations are high. They explained that these animals often use drainage corridors for safe travel away from roads and fences. The animal services department stated it does not actively monitor or attempt to capture healthy bobcats, preferring an educational approach to wildlife coexistence.
Officials advised residents to protect small pets, noting that bobcats naturally prey on animals the size of rabbits. They recommended keeping cats indoors or supervised outdoors and ensuring small dogs are not left unattended outside.
