Bobcats are common wild cats found across North America, inhabiting diverse environments from forests to semi-deserts and urban edges. Understanding their natural habits helps clarify potential risks and how to coexist safely.
Typical Bobcat Behavior
Bobcats are elusive, solitary animals, preferring to avoid human contact. They are most active during twilight hours (crepuscular activity), though they can be seen during the day, especially in colder months. Their hunting range spans 2 to 7 miles nightly as they patrol territories.
These territorial cats use scent and claw marks to define boundaries. Their diet primarily consists of small mammals like rabbits, hares, and rodents, but as opportunistic predators, they also hunt birds, insects, and occasionally larger animals like deer. Bobcats are skilled hunters, relying on stealth and a quick pounce.
Assessing the Threat to Humans
Direct attacks by bobcats on humans are exceedingly rare, with no confirmed fatal attacks in North America. Healthy bobcats typically avoid confrontation and will usually flee if they detect human presence.
When attacks occur, they are linked to unusual circumstances, such as a bobcat suffering from rabies, feeling cornered, or protecting its young. A rabid bobcat might exhibit unusual aggression, a loss of its natural fear of humans, incoordination, or excessive drooling. If a bobcat approaches without fear or appears unusually bold, it could be sick or habituated to humans, possibly from being fed.
Safeguarding Pets and Property
Bobcats are opportunistic predators and may target accessible smaller animals. While primarily hunting wild prey, they might prey on domestic animals like chickens, small goats, lambs, or small dogs and cats. To reduce risks, keep cats indoors, especially at night, which protects them from bobcats and other wildlife.
Dogs should be supervised outdoors, particularly small breeds, and kept on a leash. Securing pet food bowls indoors prevents attracting bobcats and their prey. For small livestock like poultry or rabbits, sturdy enclosures are recommended. These should be made with heavy-gauge welded wire, ideally six feet high with a 12-inch buried base or an L-shaped footer to prevent digging.
Minimizing Encounters and Responding to Sightings
Coexisting with bobcats involves reducing attractants around properties. This includes securing garbage bins with tight-fitting lids, ensuring no pet food or water is left outdoors, and promptly picking up fallen fruit. Clearing dense vegetation and brush around homes removes potential hiding spots for bobcats and their prey. Motion-activated lights and noise deterrents, such as air horns or motion-activated sprinklers, can make properties less appealing.
If a bobcat is sighted, maintaining a respectful distance is important. Do not approach the animal. If the bobcat does not immediately move away, making noise by yelling, clapping hands, or using a whistle can encourage it to leave. Appearing larger by waving arms and standing tall can also be effective. It is important to back away slowly without turning your back or running, as running might trigger a chase response. Any bobcat exhibiting unusual behavior, such as a lack of fear or aggression, should be reported to local wildlife authorities.