Bobcats, sleek and solitary wild cats, inhabit diverse landscapes across North America, from southern Canada to Mexico. These animals are often elusive. A common question arises about their temperament, particularly regarding their potential for aggression towards humans. While they are wild predators, bobcats are generally shy and reclusive, preferring to avoid human contact. Understanding their natural behaviors helps clarify why direct aggression is an infrequent occurrence.
Bobcat Temperament
Bobcats are largely solitary and territorial animals, primarily active during twilight hours, known as crepuscular activity. They are most active during these twilight hours. This activity pattern allows them to hunt when their prey, such as rabbits and rodents, are also highly active. Their elusive behavior makes sightings rare.
These felines maintain specific territories, which they mark using scent, urine, feces, and claw marks on trees. Such markings help minimize direct confrontations with other bobcats. Their diet primarily consists of small prey like rabbits, hares, and rodents, though they can also hunt birds and occasionally larger animals such as young deer. Bobcats exhibit a natural wariness of humans and retreat when detected. They often perceive humans as “super predators,” influencing their avoidance behavior.
Situations Leading to Aggression
Despite their generally shy demeanor, bobcats can exhibit aggression under specific, infrequent circumstances. One such situation involves illness, particularly rabies, which can cause them to act unpredictably and lose their natural fear of humans. A bobcat appearing disoriented, lethargic, or unusually bold might be sick and should be reported to wildlife authorities. Such incidents are rare, though documented cases exist.
Aggression can also arise if a bobcat feels cornered or directly threatened, with no clear escape route. In these instances, their actions are defensive rather than predatory. Mother bobcats are protective of their young and may react aggressively if they perceive a threat to their kittens. Additionally, bobcats that become habituated to humans, often through intentional or unintentional feeding, may lose their innate caution. This habituation can lead to bold behavior and aggressive approaches when seeking food.
What to Do During an Encounter
If you encounter a bobcat, remain calm and avoid sudden movements. Never approach the animal, especially if it is near a kill or accompanied by young. Give the bobcat ample space and ensure it has a clear escape route, as cornering the animal can provoke a defensive response.
To deter the bobcat, make yourself appear as large as possible by waving your arms, opening your jacket, or standing on a higher surface. Make noise by shouting or using a whistle to startle the animal. Maintain eye contact while slowly backing away, never turning your back or running, as running can trigger a chase instinct. If the bobcat does not retreat or acts aggressively, fight back using any available means. Report any unusual or aggressive bobcat behavior to local wildlife authorities or animal control.
Living Alongside Bobcats
Coexisting with bobcats involves preventative measures to reduce encounters. Securing outdoor garbage cans with tight-fitting lids helps eliminate potential food sources that might attract bobcats to residential areas. Avoiding leaving pet food or water bowls outdoors, especially overnight, can deter them from approaching human dwellings.
Supervising pets, particularly small dogs and cats, is important, especially during dawn and dusk when bobcats are most active. Keeping pets indoors during these times or ensuring they are in secure enclosures can minimize risk. Clearing dense brush, woodpiles, and overgrown vegetation around homes removes potential hiding spots and makes properties less inviting for bobcats. Educating community members about these practices fosters a safer environment for both humans and wildlife.