Bobcats are a part of Arizona’s diverse wildlife, inhabiting various landscapes across the state. These native wild cats are widespread and adapt to many different environments, showcasing the state’s rich biodiversity.
Where Bobcats Roam in Arizona
Bobcats are found across all elevations in Arizona, from the lowlands of the Sonoran Desert to the pine and fir-covered mountains. They are particularly abundant in rugged and brushy habitats such as the Sonoran desert scrub, rimrock areas, and chaparral. This adaptability allows them to thrive in varied environments, including mountain forests, riparian canyons, and even suburban areas bordering wildlands.
Bobcats often appear in the outskirts of urban areas where food sources are plentiful. They are known to visit yards in search of sustenance, water, or shelter, sometimes even resting under shrubs during the day. Their home ranges can vary, with individual bobcats defending territories typically ranging from one to 12 square miles.
What a Bobcat Looks Like
Bobcats are distinctive wild felines, larger than a domestic house cat but smaller than a mountain lion. They typically measure between 18 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder and range from 24 to 36 inches in body length, excluding their tail. Adult males generally weigh between 14 to 40 pounds, while females are smaller, typically weighing 8.8 to 33.7 pounds.
Their fur color varies, usually appearing tan to grayish-brown, with some individuals having a reddish tinge. Bobcats often have black spots or streaks across their bodies, with more noticeable spots and bars on their legs and chest. Their undersides are typically off-white. A defining characteristic is their short, “bobbed” tail, which measures about 3.5 to 7.9 inches long, featuring a black tip on the top side and often white fur underneath. They also possess pointed ears with short, black tufts and prominent ruffs of hair on their cheeks, giving their face a wide appearance.
Life and Habits of Arizona Bobcats
Bobcats are primarily solitary animals, observed alone except when mating or raising kittens. They are crepuscular, meaning they are most active during twilight hours, around dawn and dusk, though they can be active at any time of day or night depending on factors like prey availability. During the day, bobcats often rest in secluded spots such as hollow logs, rocky dens, or dense vegetation.
As carnivores, bobcats hunt a variety of prey, with rabbits and hares being their preferred food source. Their diet also includes rodents, birds, lizards, snakes, and occasionally larger animals like young deer or pronghorn. They employ stealth and ambush tactics, often pouncing on their prey from cover. Mating generally takes place in February and March. After a gestation period of 50 to 70 days, averaging 62 days, females typically give birth to litters of two to three kittens, usually between April and early June. These kittens remain with their mother for about seven to twelve months, learning essential hunting skills. Bobcats are not considered endangered and maintain stable populations, though their numbers can fluctuate locally.
Safety and Coexistence
While bobcats are generally elusive and avoid human contact, sightings are becoming more common as human development expands into their natural habitats. If a bobcat is seen nearby, it is important to observe it from a distance and never approach, feed, or touch the animal. Bobcats rarely attack people, with most reported human attacks linked to rabies.
To minimize potential conflicts, several preventative measures can be taken around homes. Securing trash cans with tight-fitting lids and avoiding leaving pet food outdoors can remove attractants. Keeping small pets, especially at night, indoors or in enclosed, roofed areas is recommended, as bobcats are opportunistic predators that may target unattended pets or poultry. Making yards less inviting by removing water sources like pet bowls or standing puddles can also deter them. If a bobcat becomes a persistent problem or appears aggressive, contacting the local Arizona Game and Fish Department office or a professional wildlife control business is advisable. Bobcats are a protected wildlife species in Arizona, and their possession is illegal.