The bobcat (Lynx rufus) is a medium-sized feline distributed throughout North America, ranging from southern Canada to Mexico. Named for its short, black-tipped “bobbed” tail, it possesses a distinctive spotted coat, tufted ears, and cheek ruffs. These adaptable predators inhabit diverse habitats, from forests and swamps to the edges of urban areas, often leading to human encounters and questions about the bobcat’s temperament.
The True Nature of the Bobcat
The bobcat’s default behavior toward humans is avoidance, not aggression. They are primarily solitary and elusive animals with a natural shyness, causing them to retreat from human presence. Most hunting occurs during crepuscular (dawn and dusk) or nocturnal hours, making daytime sightings uncommon and brief. An adult bobcat, typically weighing between 15 and 30 pounds, instinctively views humans as a threat. Their diet consists overwhelmingly of small mammals like rabbits, hares, and rodents; they do not view adult humans as a food source. Any aggression directed at a person is defensive, occurring only when the animal is cornered or perceives an immediate threat.
When Conflict Arises
The perception of a bobcat as “mean” or hostile arises only when specific environmental or health factors override its natural shyness. One common conflict involves the protection of young; a mother bobcat will defend her den and kits if she believes they are in danger. This defensive reaction is instinctual, not indicative of a generally aggressive disposition. Conflicts also occur when the bobcat’s prey drive intersects with domestic animals, as they do not distinguish between wild prey and small, unattended pets. Small dogs, outdoor cats, and poultry are opportunistically hunted, particularly in suburban areas where natural prey may be scarce. The bobcat is simply fulfilling its biological needs, not exhibiting malice toward human property. Another factor leading to unusual boldness is habituation, which occurs when bobcats lose their fear of people after repeatedly finding easy food sources near homes. Leaving pet food outdoors or failing to secure trash cans teaches the animal that human spaces are rewarding and safe to frequent. The rarest, but most dangerous, cause for unprovoked aggression is illness, such as rabies, which can cause erratic behavior and a complete loss of the animal’s natural fear response.
How to Prevent Negative Encounters
Homeowners living near bobcat habitat can take steps to minimize the chance of a negative interaction. All potential food attractants must be removed from the outdoor environment, which involves securing garbage cans with tight-fitting lids and removing pet food and water bowls from patios and decks. Protecting pets is accomplished by supervising them when outdoors and ensuring all small domestic animals are brought inside from dusk until dawn, which is the bobcat’s most active period. Furthermore, livestock like chickens and rabbits should be housed in secure enclosures made of heavy-gauge wire, ideally with a roof to prevent entry. If a bobcat is sighted on the property and does not immediately retreat, simple hazing techniques can be used to reinforce its fear of humans. Making yourself appear larger, shouting, clapping your hands, or spraying the animal with a garden hose are effective hazing methods. These actions teach the bobcat that associating with human areas is unpleasant, encouraging it to maintain its natural distance.