MARYLAND - Residents across Central Maryland and the suburban corridors of Montgomery and Harford Counties are on high alert this week following a series of brazen predator sightings in residential neighborhoods. While Maryland has long been home to a variety of wildlife, recent footage and reports from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) suggest that some of the State more elusive hunters are becoming increasingly comfortable in human-dominated spaces.
From the wooded fringes of Frederick to the dense suburbs of the Baltimore-Washington metro area, these sightings have triggered official warnings for pet owners and parents to remain vigilant during the shorter winter days.
1. The Harford Bobcat "Sensation."
In a rare and stunning development, wildlife advocates were left astounded in late December 2025 when a trail camera in Harford County captured clear, verified evidence of a bobcat stalking through a local yard. While bobcats are native to Maryland, they are typically elusive and confined to the rugged western counties.
The Harford sighting represents a significant shift, suggesting these predators are expanding their range closer to suburban neighborhoods. Residents have reported hearing the animal's "signature scream" and seeing it move with startling confidence along the property lines in the twilight hours.
2. The "Doorbell Camera" Coyote Surge
While bobcats are the newest "celebrity" sightings, eastern coyotes are the most consistent brazen visitors to Maryland backyards.
- The Sightings: In Montgomery and Howard Counties, residents have shared numerous doorbell camera videos of coyotes trotting across porches and sniffing at back doors in broad daylight.
- Why They Are Bold: Biologists note that Maryland's coyotes have become highly habituated to human activity. They have learned that suburban "edge" habitats offer a buffet of easy meals, from fallen birdseed that attracts rodents to unsecured trash and outdoor pet food.
3. Black Bears: The Late-Season Scavengers
As winter sets in, Maryland's black bear population is in a period of high activity. While many are beginning their hibernation, others—particularly in western and central counties like Frederick and Washington—remain active as they search for final calories.
- Suburban Incursions: DNR officials report that bears are increasingly wandering into suburban developments, attracted by the smell of grease on outdoor grills and "treats" found in chicken coops.
- The Risk: Unlike the shy bears of the deep woods, these "suburban bears" often lose their natural fear of humans, leading to bold encounters where they may refuse to leave a yard even when confronted.
4. How to Protect Your Property
To reduce the risk of a dangerous encounter, Maryland wildlife experts urge homeowners to follow these specific precautions:
- The "Dusk to Dawn" Rule: Keep small pets inside from dusk until dawn, when coyotes and bobcats are most active. If you must walk your dog, use a short, non-retractable leash.
- Secure the Buffet: Remove all human-generated food sources. This includes cleaning up birdseed from the ground, storing trash in bear-resistant containers, and feeding pets exclusively indoors.
- Eliminate Hiding Spots: Clear away dense brush piles and low-hanging branches near the house. Ambush predators like bobcats rely on cover to get close to their prey.
- Motion Lighting: Install high-intensity, motion-activated lights. While predators are becoming bolder, a sudden burst of light can still be enough to startle a wandering coyote or bear.
What to Do If You See One
If you come face-to-face with a predator in your yard, do not run. Running can trigger a chase instinct in both coyotes and bobcats.
Instead, practice "hazing": make yourself look as large as possible by raising your arms or opening your jacket. Shout in a deep, firm voice. If the animal does not retreat, use a "shaker can" (a soda can filled with pennies) or a loud whistle. The goal is to reinforce their natural fear of humans and let them know your backyard is not a safe place to linger.
