Many years back I was setup to call varmints when I watched a bunch of does and the year before fawns go to a salt box used by a rancher. It got more interesting when I noticed a large Bobcat sneaking up on them. I have heard for years that fawns are a major food source for coyotes, Mtn. Lions, bears, and Bobcats. (I have heard of late from a number of N. Cal hunters regarding concerns that bear are taking a lot of deer. In the past I have stirred up some bear scat and identified what I believe is deer hair.)
The deer were focused on the salt box unaware of the approaching danger. The cat setup on the deers' trail and was waiting for their return. He never heard the shot.
Another time I had started a deer hunt down a narrow, steep ridge. The area was covered with oak trees and Fir. I was aware the saddle I had departed was an active deer crossing. My attention went back and forth from the ridge I was going down, to the hillside across from me. From the corner of my eye I noticed a small tree limb slowly drop down in my vision. A small Bobcat was backing down the limp, eye-ball to eye-ball with me. The cat rolled off the end of the limb and disappeared downhill. I made no attempt to shot the cat. Why spoil my deer hunt.
After my heart beat slowed down I slowly worked my way down the slope another couple of hundred feet. A buck and doe were watching me from across the draw. They were less then 100 yards away. I collected the buck. In this case I do not think the presence of the small Bobcat caused any concern with the adult deer. :cb3: My presence my have benefitted the Bobcat with a meal of deer entrails.
