The girl and the animal locked eyes for 22 seconds.

On April 10, 2021, a 5-year-old girl named Rian Woodard was playing in her backyard at her family home in Castle Rock, Colorado, when a bobcat hopped the fence in its pursuit of a rabbit. The two had a staredown, and the entire encounter was captured on a Nest video camera.

In the video (below), you can see Rian and the bobcat locking eyes, both frozen, as they stare down at one another. The "staring contest" lasted for 22 seconds, when the large cat flinched and walked away.

"It seemed like an hour. They locked eyes and just kind of stared at one another," said Rian’s mother, Nicole Woodard.

Once the bobcat fleed, Rian ran inside to tell her parents about the encounter. However, they were convinced that the bobcat was just a large housecat. But video footage told them otherwise.

"I think I was in shock. I was kind of terrified for her," said Nicole.

Thankfully, Rian wasn't hurt in the incident. Now, she has a cool story to share with her friends!

Watch the video below:

Have you ever had a close encounter with a wild animal before? Share your stories with us in the comments below.