The bobcat, Lynx rufus, is a native wild cat species present throughout the state of Kansas. This secretive carnivore is a natural part of the state’s diverse ecosystem, often living undetected even near human habitation. Its presence extends across prairie, timber, and riparian zones, making it one of Kansas’s most widely distributed furbearers.
Statewide Distribution and Preferred Habitats
Bobcats are highly adaptable, occupying nearly all 105 counties in Kansas, though population density varies significantly across the landscape. The highest concentrations are generally found in the eastern half of the state, particularly the southeast, where timbered and brushy areas are more extensive. Conversely, the open, arid plains of western Kansas support lower densities due to the scarcity of dense cover.
They favor habitats offering abundant prey and secure concealment. These include shrubby edges of riparian woodlands, dense field borders, rocky ledges, and ravines that provide natural cover for den sites. Research shows that resident male bobcats utilize home ranges averaging about 20.0 square kilometers, which is more than double the size of the average female’s range.
Identifying Characteristics and Behavior
Identifying a bobcat relies on recognizing its distinct features; it is roughly twice the size of a large domestic house cat. The animal is named for its short, black-tipped “bobbed” tail, which typically measures between 13 to 16 centimeters long. Their coat is yellowish- to reddish-brown with varying patterns of dark spots and stripes, providing excellent camouflage.
A defining characteristic is the presence of prominent tufts of hair on their ears, which are black on the back with a noticeable central white spot. As solitary and nocturnal or crepuscular hunters, bobcats are rarely seen during the day, preferring to hunt at twilight or during the night. Their diet is strictly carnivorous, focusing primarily on cottontail rabbits, though they opportunistically prey on cotton rats, squirrels, and various birds.
Kansas Management and Regulations
In Kansas, bobcats are legally classified as furbearers, meaning their harvest is subject to regulated hunting and trapping seasons established by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP). The general furharvesting season typically runs during the colder months, from mid-November through late February, aligning with the prime fur quality. Individuals participating in the harvest must possess a valid furharvester license and adhere to regulations.
The state mandates a pelt tagging program, requiring all harvested bobcats to be affixed with a CITES export tag. This system allows the KDWP to accurately enumerate the annual harvest, which was 2,185 bobcats during the 2023-2024 season, ensuring a sustainable population level. Regulations also detail legal equipment and methods, including a bag limit of one bobcat per permit for non-resident hunters.