Caught on camera: Bobcats lurking in East Tennessee

WHITE PINE, Tenn. (WVLT)-- Coyotes have been popping up across East Tennessee, but there's also another wild animal to watch out for. Bobcats are on the prowl, according to one man in White Pine.

While they're not seen as often, White Pine local Joe Jaynes caught a bobcat in action.

His neighbor spotted it in White Pine.

"He said you've got to see this big cat, the house cat," Jaynes said.

But Jaynes knew it didn't belong at a home.

"As soon as I got a glimpse of it I knew, that's not what this is," he said.

And just down the road, another White Pine native caught bobcats on camera. His trail cam spotted them in October.

The wild animals aren't new to the area, according to Jaynes.

Jaynes said, "Some people, old timers, I've heard them call panthers." But, they're more common than you may have expected.

The cats prowl at night and feed on small rodents, but you should also keep an eye on your pets.

"I think their major thing might be with pets," Jaynes said.

Officials say many people often confuse bobcats with house cats.

So, how can you tell a difference?

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency provided the following facts about spotting bobcats:

Early Life

Bobcats have an average litter of two to four kittens. Bobcat kittens typically weigh between 10 to 12 ounces at birth and are born blind and helpless. Bobcat mothers nurse their kittens for about 60 days.

Bobcat Tracks
The claws on bobcats are retractable. Bobcat tracks in adults reportedly have an overall round appearance with four round toe pads in both front and rear prints.

Sounds of Bobcats
Wildlife experts observed that bobcats are usually quiet, but may give high-pitched screams or low growls.

Bobcats become more vocal during breeding season.

Characteristics
According to the TWRA, bobcats are excellent runners, climbers and swimmers. They have incredible vision and hearing along with a good sense of smell.