Bobcats are present and thriving across Missouri, making their home in various landscapes throughout the state. As native predators, these adaptable wild cats play a role in the local ecosystem. They are a natural component of Missouri’s wildlife.
Where Bobcats Roam in Missouri
Bobcats are found in all 114 counties of Missouri, demonstrating their wide distribution across the state. They prefer habitats offering dense cover and ample prey. These areas often include heavy forests, woodlands with thick underbrush, and rocky outcrops. They also adapt to brushy fields, glades, and timbered swamps. While they inhabit many landscapes, bobcats are generally elusive, thriving even near human developments.
Characteristics of Missouri Bobcats
Missouri bobcats are medium-sized wild cats, typically larger than a domestic cat, with fur varying from yellowish to reddish-brown, often streaked and spotted with black. They have a distinctive short, bobbed tail (4-8 inches) and prominent, pointed ears with black backs and a central light-colored spot. Males are generally larger, weighing 20 to 22 pounds, while females average 18 to 19 pounds. Their diet primarily consists of small mammals like rabbits, mice, and squirrels, but also includes birds such as wild turkeys and quail, and occasionally deer fawns. Bobcats are largely solitary, preferring to hunt alone primarily at dawn and dusk, relying on keen eyesight and hearing to locate prey, and play an important role in controlling small mammal populations, contributing to the ecosystem’s balance.
Living Alongside Bobcats
Encounters between humans and bobcats are uncommon, as these shy animals tend to avoid people and pose little threat to humans or livestock. Securing pets indoors, especially at night, and removing outdoor food sources like pet food can help minimize any potential interactions. If a bobcat is sighted, it is best to observe it from a distance and avoid approaching. Backing away slowly and deliberately is advisable, as running might trigger a chase response. Bobcats prefer to remain hidden and will typically retreat if given the opportunity.
Bobcat Conservation and Management in Missouri
The bobcat population in Missouri is currently stable and considered healthy. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) manages these populations by regulating hunting and trapping seasons to maintain balanced numbers. The MDC monitors bobcat populations through various surveys and requires hunters and trappers to register harvested bobcats. These practices ensure the species remains abundant across the state, allowing bobcats to recover from historical lows.