Bobcats are present across New York State. Their populations have expanded significantly, making them a part of the state’s diverse wildlife. While secretive, these adaptable felines can be found in various environments, from dense forests to areas closer to human settlements. Understanding their presence, habits, and how to react during an encounter can help foster coexistence with these native predators.
Where Bobcats Live in New York
Bobcats are found throughout upstate New York, extending their range beyond historical strongholds. Initially, their primary habitats were concentrated in the Adirondack, Catskill, and Taconic mountain regions. Bobcat populations have expanded into central and western New York, with documented sightings in nearly every upstate county. They are now well-established in areas like the Southern Tier and the Lake Plains.
These felines are considered habitat generalists, thriving in a variety of environments. They can inhabit dense forests, wetlands, and even suburban and agricultural areas. Bobcats often seek refuge in rocky ledges, rock piles, brush piles, hollow trees, and logs for shelter, breeding, and raising their young. Their adaptability to diverse landscapes contributes to their widespread distribution, though deep snow conditions in winter may limit their abundance in some northern and western parts of the state.
Identifying Bobcats and Their Habits
Bobcats possess distinct physical characteristics that differentiate them from other felines or canids. They are medium-sized cats with a gray to brown coat, a whiskered face, and black-tufted ears. Their name comes from their short, “bobbed” tail, which is typically 5-6 inches long and tipped with black. While spotting can vary, most New York bobcats have faint or indistinct spots.
Males are larger than females, averaging around 21 pounds, while females average about 14 pounds. Their average body length ranges from 30 to 34 inches. Bobcats are primarily nocturnal or crepuscular, most active during twilight hours. They are solitary animals, marking their territories with scent. Their diet primarily consists of deer and rabbits, but they are opportunistic carnivores, also preying on mice, voles, birds, and insects.
Encountering a Bobcat
Encounters with bobcats are rare due to their shy and elusive nature; they avoid human interaction. If a bobcat is sighted, it is more afraid of humans than the reverse. However, if a bobcat appears to lack fear of people, it might be due to having learned to associate humans with food. In such instances, maintaining a safe distance and not approaching the animal is advised.
If a bobcat does not retreat, making loud noises, such as yelling or blowing a whistle, can encourage it to leave. Spraying water from a hose or squirt gun, or throwing objects like tennis balls towards its hindquarters, can also be effective deterrents. It is important to avoid feeding bobcats, as this can lead to them losing their natural wariness of humans.
If a bobcat appears sick, injured, or is behaving aggressively, contact the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC). For general wildlife questions, the NYS DEC Bureau of Wildlife can be reached at 518-402-8883 or [email protected]. If an injured or distressed animal is found during weekends, the Environmental Conservation Officers dispatch line is available at 1-877-457-5680.