Pet owner captures eerie encounter as wild animal approaches home: 'This went on for like 10 minutes'

A minute-long TikTok video shows a bobcat walking right up to someone's back door. 

What's happening?

An account about realistic prepping, Lauren (@positivelyprepared), posted a video of a bobcat creeping around her house. It was mere feet away from her door and could be clearly seen through the glass. 

@positivelyprepared This went on for like 10 minutes lol, craziest thing I've ever seen an animal do #bobcat #backyard #wildanimalsoftiktok #animalsoftiktok ♬ original sound - Lauren | Realistic Prepping

"This went on for like 10 minutes lol, craziest thing I've ever seen an animal do," she captioned the video.

A sticker on the clip said, "Sound Up For Meows," and the low, grumbly meows from the wild cat were an eerie sound. Lauren's cat seemed interested in the bobcat, carefully watching it from behind the safety of the door.

Why is the bobcat getting so close?

While these kinds of encounters with wild animals can seem exciting, they're dangerous and troubling. When wild animals venture this close to humans, it usually means something is wrong. 

They may have been pushed out of their habitat due to human population growth, habitat destruction, or resource shortages. If there isn't enough prey where they live, they'll expand their hunting range, sometimes into human territory. 

Unfortunately, pets like Lauren's cat can be appealing prey. This bobcat was likely eyeing its next meal. If it weren't for that door, both Lauren and her cat could've been in a very dangerous situation. 

Supporting wildlife conservation efforts can limit these hazardous wildlife encounters. Preserving natural habitats also helps foster biodiversity, which is crucial for both the planet and the human population. 

Biodiversity boosts the food and water supply, regulates disease, and stabilizes the climate, making for a cooler, cleaner planet. However, encroaching on wildlife habitats hinders the success of many species — like this cat. 

How can we preserve habitats for animals like this?

Protected areas and sanctuaries give creatures like this bobcat space to thrive, safely away from humans — and pets. Restoration efforts in regions where populations are struggling can help species bounce back. 

Do you think people should be allowed to keep exotic animals as pets? Yes 👍 No 👎 It depends on the animal 🐍 It depends on the person 🤓 Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.

To make these things happen, people must use their voices. Expressing support for government initiatives and corporate policies that prioritize preserving these habitats is crucial. 

You can find local conservation efforts to support, donate to global organizations, or just ensure you're supporting brands that emphasize the importance of conservation.

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