Bobcats are wild cats found across North America. While they are predators, direct threats to people are infrequent. Understanding their natural behaviors and taking appropriate precautions can help foster coexistence.
Understanding Bobcat Nature
Bobcats are medium-sized felines, weighing between 9 and 33 pounds and standing 1.5 to 2 feet tall at the shoulder. Males are larger than females. They have a “bobbed” tail, facial ruffs, and tufts of black hair on their pointed ears. Their coat varies from buff to brown, often with spots or stripes that provide camouflage.
These solitary and territorial animals are crepuscular, primarily hunting during dawn and dusk, though they can be active at any time. Bobcats are carnivores, mainly eating rabbits, hares, and rodents, but they are opportunistic and also prey on birds, small deer, and other small mammals. They are shy and avoid human contact.
Bobcats and Human Safety
Bobcat attacks on humans are rare, as these animals avoid people. Incidents occur when a bobcat is cornered, rabid, or defending its young. If a bobcat appears aggressive or does not flee, it may be sick, particularly with rabies. Rabid bobcats can exhibit erratic behavior or lethargy.
While a bobcat attack could result in serious injury due to their sharp claws and teeth, human fatalities are unknown. The primary risk in an attack is potential injury and the transmission of diseases like rabies, necessitating prompt medical attention.
Protecting Pets and Livestock
Pets, especially smaller ones, face a greater risk from bobcats than humans do. Small dogs and cats can be perceived as potential prey, particularly if left unsupervised outdoors. Bobcats are opportunistic predators, and domestic animals like chickens, rabbits, and small livestock such as lambs and goats are also vulnerable. These animals can be seen as easy targets, especially in areas where human development intersects with bobcat habitats.
Bobcats are adept at climbing and can also dig, posing a challenge for securing enclosures. They may be attracted to yards by readily available food sources, such as pet food left outside, or by the presence of prey animals like rodents drawn to bird feeders. This can lead to bobcats venturing closer to homes, increasing the likelihood of encounters with pets.
Living Alongside Bobcats
Minimizing negative interactions with bobcats involves several practical steps to make properties less appealing. Securing garbage bins with tight lids and feeding pets indoors prevents bobcats from scavenging for food. Removing fallen fruit and cleaning up around bird feeders also helps eliminate attractants that draw rodents, which in turn attract bobcats. Trimming dense vegetation and clearing brush around the home removes potential hiding spots.
Fencing can deter bobcats, but it must be robust; a fence should be at least six feet high, with the bottom extending 6 to 12 inches below ground or horizontally outward. Adding an outward-facing angle at the top can prevent climbing. Motion-activated lights and sprinklers can startle bobcats and make them uncomfortable. If a bobcat is sighted, it is important to make noise, appear as large as possible, and back away slowly without running, as running can trigger a pursuit response. Never approach or attempt to feed a bobcat, as this can habituate them to humans and increase risks.