Bobcats are a well-established part of Vermont’s wildlife, native to the region and found throughout much of the state. Despite their widespread presence, these wild cats are rarely seen by people. This infrequent sighting is primarily due to their solitary nature and their activity patterns, which largely occur during dawn and dusk. Their adaptability allows them to thrive in various environments across Vermont.
Confirming Their Presence and Description
The Eastern bobcat (Lynx rufus rufus) is common across Vermont, although direct sightings are infrequent. These felines are noticeably larger than a typical house cat, with adult males averaging 15 to 20 pounds, though some can reach 30 to 35 pounds. Bobcats stand about 12 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder and measure 18.7 to 49.2 inches from head to the base of their tail, which is notably short or “bobbed” at 3.5 to 7.9 inches long. Their fur typically ranges from buff to brown, sometimes with a reddish tint, and is marked with black spots or stripes on the body, along with dark bars on their forelegs and tail. The underside of their coat is lighter, and they possess distinct facial ruffs and black-tipped, tufted ears. This spotted patterning provides effective camouflage.
Where Bobcats Live and How They Behave
Bobcats in Vermont inhabit a variety of environments, including coniferous forests, bogs, swamps, and partially forested mountain areas. Rocky ledges are particularly important features within their habitat, often serving as sites for courtship rituals and denning. They also utilize recently logged areas and farms, which provide abundant food sources for their prey species. Den sites offer protection and can include rock crevices, holes in the ground, fallen trees, or even abandoned buildings, though in Vermont, many dens are found in mountain ledge crevices.
These animals are primarily crepuscular, most active during dawn and dusk hours. They are solitary and territorial, marking their home ranges with urine, feces, and claw marks on trees to minimize confrontations. Male home ranges can span up to 27 square miles, overlapping with those of several females, while female territories average about 9 square miles and typically do not overlap. Bobcats are adaptable predators, primarily consuming small mammals like mice, voles, rats, chipmunks, squirrels, snowshoe hares, and cottontail rabbits. They also hunt birds and can take larger prey such as deer, particularly fawns, especially during winter when smaller prey is scarce.
What to Do If You Encounter a Bobcat
Bobcats are generally shy and avoid human contact. If you encounter a bobcat, it is advisable to observe it from a distance and avoid approaching it. Do not attempt to feed a bobcat, as this can alter their natural behaviors. Secure pets, especially during dawn and dusk when bobcats are most active. Free-ranging domestic animals, such as chickens and house cats, are susceptible to predation.
To prevent attracting them, secure outdoor food and garbage. If you observe an injured bobcat or one exhibiting unusual or bold behavior, contact the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department. This allows professionals to assess the situation and intervene. Bobcats rarely threaten humans unless rabid, which is uncommon.