Bobcats are established residents of Connecticut, and their population has seen a notable resurgence. These elusive wild cats are a common, though often unseen, part of the state’s diverse wildlife. This article explores their re-establishment, physical characteristics, behaviors, and how residents can safely coexist with them.
Bobcat Presence in Connecticut
The bobcat, Lynx rufus, is a native Connecticut species that experienced a dramatic decline due to deforestation and unregulated hunting. A state bounty on bobcats existed from 1935 to 1971. In 1972, the bobcat was reclassified as a protected furbearer, halting hunting and trapping seasons and allowing populations to recover.
This protection, coupled with forest regrowth, led to the species’ successful re-establishment. Today, bobcats are found in all eight Connecticut counties, with highest concentrations in the northwestern part of the state. The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) monitors their population through public sightings and studies, reporting thousands of sightings annually.
Recognizing Bobcats
Bobcats are medium-sized felines, weighing between 14 to 40 pounds, with males larger than females. Their fur color varies from tan to grayish-brown, often with black streaks or spots and dark bars on their forelegs. A distinguishing feature is their short, “bobbed” tail, measuring between 3.5 to 7.9 inches, with a black tip and white underside.
They possess prominent facial ruffs (longer fur tufts on their cheeks) and pointed ears with small, black tufts at the tips. Their eyes are often yellow-green. These characteristics differentiate them from domestic cats, which have longer tails and lack ear tufts and facial ruffs, or coyotes, which are larger, have longer tails, and a different body shape.
Bobcat Behavior and Ecology
Bobcats are adaptable predators, inhabiting diverse environments across Connecticut, including wooded areas, swamps, rocky regions, and suburban fringes. They are solitary animals; males maintain large territories that can overlap with those of several females. These territories are marked using scent, urine, feces, and claw marks on trees.
While primarily crepuscular (most active during dawn and dusk), bobcats can be seen during the day, especially in colder months when prey activity shifts. Their diet consists mainly of small mammals like rabbits, squirrels, and rodents, but they also prey on birds and occasionally white-tailed deer, particularly young, sick, or old individuals. Bobcats are patient hunters, often stalking prey before ambushing it with a short chase or pounce.
Coexisting with Bobcats
Bobcats are secretive and avoid human contact, making direct interactions uncommon. They are a protected species in Connecticut; it is illegal to hunt or trap them without permits. Observing them from a distance is recommended, and approaching them should be avoided.
To prevent attracting bobcats to residential areas, secure pet food and ensure pets, especially small ones, are not left unsupervised. Clearing dense brush around homes can reduce potential hiding spots. While attacks on humans are rare, any bobcat exhibiting unusual behavior, such as aggression or lack of fear, should be reported to the Connecticut DEEP, as this could indicate illness like rabies.