Bobcats are present in Maryland, a fact that might surprise many given their secretive behavior. These wild felines, the state’s only native wild cat species, have made a notable return to Maryland’s diverse landscapes. Their presence signifies a healthy, recovering ecosystem, though their elusive nature means direct encounters are uncommon. This overview explores their confirmed status, provides identification guidance, and offers advice for coexistence.
Bobcats in Maryland: A Confirmed Presence
Bobcats were once rare in Maryland, their populations dwindling significantly by the late 1800s due to widespread deforestation. As Maryland’s forests regenerated and matured since the mid-20th century, bobcat numbers increased, allowing them to recover portions of their historical range. While still uncommon, these animals are primarily found in greater numbers in the western counties, including Garrett, Allegany, Washington, and Frederick.
Occasional sightings confirm their presence extending eastward, reaching as far as the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay. Bobcats adapt to various environments, including dense vegetative cover, mixed deciduous-conifer forests, hardwood forests, brushy and rocky woodlands, small farm fields, and even abandoned human structures for shelter. Their preference for rugged habitats and solitary nature contributes to their infrequent contact with people, making them difficult to observe.
Spotting a Maryland Bobcat
Identifying a bobcat requires recognizing distinct physical characteristics that differentiate it from domestic cats or other wild canids. Bobcats are larger than house cats, weighing 15 to 40 pounds and measuring 29 to 39 inches. Their stocky build includes proportionally longer hind legs, contributing to an athletic appearance.
A defining feature is their short, “bobbed” tail, measuring 8 to 10 inches, often with a distinct dark band near the tip. Their ears are black-tipped and pointed, with short, black tufts. They also possess a “ruff” of longer fur around their faces, giving them a wide facial appearance. Their coat coloration varies from grayish-brown to yellowish-brown, displaying a mix of dark stripes and spots that can range from barely noticeable to distinct. Their stomachs are typically white with dark spots.
Living Alongside Bobcats
Bobcats are solitary animals, active mainly during dusk and after nightfall, though they may be seen during the day while foraging or raising young. They are efficient carnivores, playing a role in their ecosystem by preying on small mammals such as mice, voles, rabbits, squirrels, and woodchucks. As opportunistic predators, they occasionally consume larger animals like deer, particularly young, old, or sick individuals, and may also feed on carrion.
In Maryland, bobcats are listed as a species “in need of conservation,” and there is currently no hunting or trapping season for them. Despite their predatory nature, conflicts with humans are rare, largely due to their secretive disposition and tendency to avoid people. To minimize potential conflicts, secure outdoor pet food and trash, as these can attract wildlife. Fences can be reinforced with electric wires at 12 and 18 inches above the ground, as bobcats can climb and jump fences up to 6 feet in height. If a bobcat is encountered and does not immediately retreat, making loud noises or spraying water can help reinforce their natural wariness of humans.