Bobcats are present in Minnesota, the most common native wild feline. These adaptable predators (Lynx rufus) are a natural part of Minnesota’s wildlife. While often elusive, their population has shown stability and even growth in recent decades.
Where Bobcats Live in Minnesota
Bobcats are primarily found in the woodlands of north-central and northeastern Minnesota, with their core range extending from Hinckley to the state’s northwestern corner near Warroad. While historically less common in the northeastern Arrowhead region due to deep snow and less diverse prey, they are present.
These felines prefer habitats offering dense cover, abundant prey, and suitable edges for hunting, such as young aspen forests and cedar swamps. They can also inhabit areas with a mix of agriculture, woodlands, and grasslands, demonstrating their adaptability. They are not typically found in areas dominated by extensive agriculture.
How to Identify a Bobcat
Identifying a bobcat involves recognizing several physical characteristics. An adult bobcat measures 26 to 36 inches long (excluding its tail) and stands 1.5 to 2 feet tall at the shoulder. Males are generally larger, weighing 30 pounds, while females average 20 to 25 pounds. Their fur color varies from tawny to grayish-brown, often with a reddish tinge, and features black spots or streaks across the body.
A defining feature is their short, “bobbed” tail, typically 4 to 7 inches long, with black fur on top and white on the underside, sometimes with black bands. Bobcats also possess facial ruffs and black-tipped ears with short tufts. Their eyes are yellow with round, black pupils, and their nose is pinkish-red.
Bobcat Habits and Diet
Bobcats are largely solitary and most active during twilight hours (dawn and dusk), though they may also be active at night. They are highly territorial, with males often having larger home ranges that can overlap with female territories. They mark their territories using claw marks, urine, and feces.
As carnivores, bobcats hunt by stalking and ambushing prey. Their diet includes small mammals like cottontail rabbits, snowshoe hares, squirrels, and mice. They also prey on birds such as pheasants, ruffed grouse, and wild turkeys. Occasionally, bobcats hunt larger animals, including white-tailed deer fawns, and may scavenge on carrion.
Living Alongside Bobcats
Bobcats are generally shy and reclusive, making direct encounters with humans uncommon. They tend to avoid people and pose little threat; aggressive encounters are rare, often linked to rabies or feeling threatened. Their adaptability allows them to live in proximity to human-populated areas, including rural and suburban landscapes.
To minimize interactions, homeowners can secure pets (especially small ones) indoors or in sturdy enclosures. Removing attractants like outdoor pet food and securing garbage cans can discourage bobcats from approaching homes. If a bobcat is sighted, maintaining a safe distance, appearing larger, and making noise can encourage the animal to leave.