2 years ago we were out deer hunting about 20 miles north of the Arkansas border. My Dad was overlooking a dry creek bed, and saw a large (as in large dog large) Bobcat along the creek bed. People always ask me why I keep my pistol, and a large knife on me when I am cleaning game. There is always something hungrier than you that may be strolling along. Recently there have been a couple of Mountian lion sightings within 20 miles of St. Louis.