In late April and early May 2025, residents in Seguin, Texas, started reporting something unusual: sightings of a sleek, dark feline roaming near wooded areas and creek beds. At least three people have described the animal as long and low to the ground. It has a brownish-grey coat—nothing like the more common bobcats or coyotes they’re used to seeing. Some believe they’ve spotted a jaguarundi, a small wild cat that hasn’t been officially seen in Texas since 1986.
The year 1986 marked the last confirmed sighting in the Brownsville area. It is where jaguarundis once lived among thick brush and subtropical terrain.
What Is a Jaguarundi?
Image by Ben Jobson, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The jaguarundi (scientific name Herpailurus yagouaroundi) is a small, weasel-shaped wild cat native to Central and South America. Adults usually weigh between 4.5 and 9 kilograms (10–20 pounds) and have short legs, a long tail, and rounded ears. Unlike bobcats, they don’t have spots or tufts on their ears. They tend to stick close to dense underbrush where they hunt birds, lizards, and small mammals.
While they once ranged into southern Texas, habitat loss and human encroachment drove their numbers down. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service lists the jaguarundi as endangered in the United States.
Jaguarundi Recent Sightings Raise Questions
The recent reports out of Seguin are drawing both skepticism and curiosity. One woman described the animal crossing her yard and disappearing into the trees behind her property. Another said she saw it along a rural roadside near a creek, adding, “It wasn’t a bobcat, and it sure wasn’t a mountain lion. I’ve lived here all my life, and I’ve never seen anything like it.”
“Big Cat Sightings Spark Jaguarundi Speculation,” Source: YouTube, Uploaded: News 4 (WOAI) San Antonio
So far, there are no verified photos or videos of the animal, and wildlife officials have not confirmed the presence of jaguarundis in the area. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) has said they are aware of the reports but need more evidence before making any conclusions.
Could Conservation Efforts Be Paying Off?
Some wildlife experts say it’s not out of the question. Over the past two decades, habitat restoration projects in southern Texas—especially in the Lower Rio Grande Valley—have aimed to bring back native species, including jaguarundis. These projects have included replanting thornscrub habitats and creating wildlife corridors that connect fragmented forests.
Although Seguin is far north of the jaguarundi’s historic range in Texas, it’s possible that the animal moved up along river systems. Another theory is it was displaced by environmental changes elsewhere. However, experts stress that misidentification is common. House cats, otters, or even foxes can sometimes be mistaken for more exotic animals.
What You Should Do If You Spot One
A cat peeking through a small gap. Image via Unsplash
If you think you’ve seen a jaguarundi—or any unusual wildlife—don’t try to approach it. Instead, take photos or videos from a safe distance and report the sighting to TPWD. This kind of documentation is vital for tracking rare species and determining whether conservation efforts are making an impact.
While the mystery in Seguin hasn’t been solved yet, it has sparked hope among conservationists and curiosity across the state. Could this be a sign that one of Texas’ lost cats is making a quiet comeback?
The Bottom Line
These sightings remain unconfirmed, but they’ve drawn fresh attention to the jaguarundi’s story. Whether it’s truly back or not, the buzz highlights the need for ongoing habitat protection and public awareness of Texas’s diverse—and sometimes surprising—wildlife.
A BS Info Tech graduate with a big heart for animals and an even bigger passion for telling their stories. While tech is my background, writing is where I truly come alive — especially when it comes to wild encounters, animal rescues, and the unbelievable things creatures do.
