A friend and I were on a hike with her dog. A mile and a half into our hike, about 30 feet in front of us — too close for me, not close enough for the dog — coming up from the valley side of the trail on the left was a beautiful bobcat. The auburn bobcat with black markings looked regal as it gracefully strolled across our path showcasing its white with black spots inner thigh with each stride. This tufted-cheek stunner with black tip ears and curled tail looked healthy and unfazed, while taking its time as he climbed the brush on the right side of the trail and disappeared. So, what does it mean if you’re looking for signs and a bobcat crosses your path? Bobcats are known for their independence as they are solitary and territorial. Because of this, it’s uncommon to see a bobcat in nature so it was a fortuitous siting. Bobcats can be symbols of self-reliance as they live on their own except to mate and raise kittens. At between eight and eleven months old, a bobcat is ready to hunt and live on its own. Seeing a bobcat can be a sign to trust yourself and your abilities. Because it’s the beginning of a new year and resolutions are top of mind, a bobcat sighting could be a sign to embrace independence and hunt down personal goals. Are there signs you’d like to know more about? Let us know at seeingsignsblog@gmail.com