The bobcat (Lynx rufus) is a medium-sized, highly adaptable wild cat native to North America. It is the most common wild feline species found across the United States and a permanent resident of Colorado’s diverse landscapes. Understanding the bobcat’s habitat, physical features, and behaviors helps promote coexistence with this widespread carnivore.
Presence and Range Across Colorado
Bobcats are widely distributed throughout Colorado, from the eastern plains to the western slope. They thrive in varied ecosystems but are most numerous in the foothills, canyons, mesas, and plateaus where brush and woodland provide cover for hunting and denning.
They occupy riparian woodlands on the plains and montane forest habitats in the mountains. Bobcats generally avoid open prairies or areas with persistent, deep snow. Unlike the Canada lynx, bobcats lack the large, padded feet needed to move easily across deep snowpack, preferring broken terrain and brush.
Bobcats are increasingly observed in suburban areas, particularly along the densely populated Front Range. This is due to their adaptable nature and attraction to prey like rabbits and rodents that flourish near human settlements. Colorado Parks and Wildlife manages the species, and the state’s bobcat population is currently stable or increasing in some locations.
Identifying the Colorado Bobcat
The bobcat is often confused with its relative, the Canada lynx, but distinct characteristics aid identification. An adult bobcat is a medium-sized cat, typically measuring 20 to 50 inches in total length. Males average around 22 pounds and females about 16 pounds.
Their coat is highly variable, ranging from tawny or grayish-brown to reddish, and is usually covered in subtle dark spots or streaks that aid in camouflage. The most definitive feature is the short, “bobbed” tail, which measures only 2 to 8 inches long. A bobcat’s tail is distinguished by black stripes on the top surface and a black tip that is white underneath.
Bobcats also possess noticeable ear tufts and a prominent ruff of fur along their cheeks. In contrast, the Canada lynx is typically larger, has longer legs, and substantially larger paws adapted for walking on snow. The lynx has an entirely black tip on its tail, lacking the white underside seen on the bobcat.
Living Safely Alongside Bobcats
Bobcats are naturally shy and reclusive animals that pose little threat to humans; aggressive encounters are extremely rare. Their activity peaks during the crepuscular hours of dawn and dusk, though they can be active at any time. Minimizing attractants is the most effective strategy for preventing conflicts near homes, as bobcats are drawn to easily accessible food sources.
Residents should secure all outdoor pet food and keep grills clean, as these items attract small prey animals. Keeping small pets, especially cats, indoors at night is a necessary precaution, as bobcats view them as potential prey. Removing dense brush piles, wood stacks, and low-hanging tree branches eliminates favored hiding and stalking locations.
If a bobcat is sighted in a yard, hazing techniques reinforce their natural wariness of humans. This involves making yourself appear large and making loud noises, such as yelling or banging pots and pans. This non-lethal action encourages the animal to leave the area and maintains distance between wildlife and residential life. If a bobcat appears injured, aggressive, or unusually tame, contact Colorado Parks and Wildlife immediately.