Bobcats (Lynx rufus) are present in New Jersey, though they are one of the most elusive and least-seen native mammals in the state. This wild cat is a secretive predator that maintains a low profile across the forested landscapes it inhabits. The bobcat is New Jersey’s only native wild cat species. Their presence today is a testament to decades of conservation efforts aimed at restoring the species to its historic range.
The History of Bobcats in the State
Bobcats were once common across New Jersey, but the widespread population began to decline significantly following European settlement. Unregulated hunting and trapping for their pelts were major factors that contributed to their falling numbers. The greatest impact, however, came from massive deforestation throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries. As forests were cleared for lumber and agricultural expansion, the bobcat’s continuous habitat became fragmented and isolated. By the 1970s, the species was considered “extirpated,” or locally extinct, within New Jersey.
The New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife launched a restoration project to reintroduce the species. Between 1978 and 1982, biologists captured 24 bobcats from Maine and released them into the remote regions of northern New Jersey. The reintroduction was a success, leading to consistent sightings of bobcats and kittens by the 1990s, indicating the new population was successfully reproducing and establishing a foothold in the state.
Current Conservation Status in New Jersey
The bobcat population in New Jersey remains protected due to its fragile numbers and limited distribution. The species was officially listed as a state endangered species in June 1991 under the state’s Endangered Species Conservation Act, making it illegal to hunt, trap, or harm the animals.
Current population estimates suggest there are approximately 200 to 400 bobcats living across New Jersey, though some studies indicate the number may be closer to 500 individuals. This low density makes monitoring and research challenging. Scientists utilize methods like GPS collaring and DNA analysis from scat found by detection dogs to track their movements and assess the population’s genetic health.
Despite the rebound, the population still faces threats, especially from habitat fragmentation and collisions with vehicles. Young bobcats, particularly those under two years old, are often struck on roadways as they disperse to find new territories. Due to the population’s slow but steady growth in the northern region, there have been discussions about potentially “downlisting” the species to threatened status in the future.
Geographic Distribution and Preferred Habitat
The bobcat distribution is concentrated in the rugged, forested terrain of the northwestern portion of the state, primarily in the counties of Sussex, Warren, Passaic, and Morris. These areas contain large, contiguous tracts of undeveloped forest land.
The preferred habitat consists of dense forest cover, which provides security, and areas with high prey density. Bobcats frequently use rocky outcrops, ledges, and crevices as secure locations for dens, particularly for raising young. They also thrive where forest meets fields or wetlands, creating “edge” habitats that attract small prey like rabbits, mice, and ground-nesting birds, which make up the bulk of their diet.
Major highways, such as Interstate 80, act as a significant barrier that restricts the bobcat’s range expansion. Observations south of the I-80 corridor are extremely rare, though there have been sporadic reports in counties like Hunterdon and Bergen. Conservation efforts are focused on connecting existing habitats through wildlife corridors to allow the population to expand its range southward into historical territories.
How to Identify and Report Sightings
Identifying a bobcat requires knowing several physical characteristics that distinguish them from other animals like coyotes or domestic cats. The bobcat is a medium-sized cat, generally about twice the size of a large housecat, with adult males weighing up to 38 pounds. Their coats can range from yellowish-brown to reddish-brown, often featuring faint spots or “tabby” stripes.
The most distinctive features are their short, “bobbed” tail, which is only three to seven inches long and tipped with black fur on the upper side, and their slightly tufted, pointed ears. Unlike domestic cats, bobcats have large paws and relatively long legs, allowing them to navigate deep snow and rugged terrain. Seeing a bobcat is considered a rare event due to their nocturnal and crepuscular hunting habits, meaning they are most active at dawn and dusk.
Citizen reports are highly valued by the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife’s Endangered and Nongame Species Program for monitoring population health and distribution. If a live bobcat is observed, the public can submit a report through the NJ Wildlife Tracker application, which is a mobile-friendly website designed for rare wildlife sightings. If an injured or deceased bobcat is found, contact the DEP Hotline immediately at 1-877-WARN-DEP so that biologists can collect the animal for genetic analysis and population studies.