Bobcats (Lynx rufus) are North America’s most common wildcat, recognized by their distinctive short, “bobbed” tails. These adaptable felines inhabit a vast range, stretching from southern Canada through most of the contiguous United States and into Mexico. Their fur typically ranges from buff to brown, sometimes with reddish tones, and is often marked with spots or stripes.
Despite their widespread presence, bobcats are largely elusive and solitary animals. They are masters of adaptation, thriving in diverse environments such as forests, swamps, deserts, and even the edges of urban areas.
The Bobcat’s Natural Diet
Bobcats are carnivores that primarily hunt small mammals. Their preferred prey includes rabbits, hares, rodents like squirrels, mice, and voles, as well as birds, reptiles, and insects. Bobcats are opportunistic predators, meaning they will take advantage of readily available food sources.
This opportunistic nature means that domestic poultry, such as chickens, can become a target for bobcats, especially if natural prey populations are scarce or if chickens are easily accessible. Bobcats prey on chickens and other domestic animals. They are stealthy hunters that typically stalk their prey before ambushing with a short chase or pounce.
The accessibility of poultry, combined with a bobcat’s hunting instincts and adaptability, can make chicken coops an attractive, albeit supplemental, food source. Bobcats can leap with precision and are agile climbers, allowing them to overcome certain barriers to reach prey.
Identifying Bobcat Predation
Distinguishing bobcat predation involves observing specific signs around the coop and the nature of the kill. Bobcats often exhibit a “clean kill” pattern, typically taking one bird at a time, and sometimes decapitating or partially consuming the prey. Unlike some other predators, bobcats frequently drag their prey away from the kill site, so evidence may not be directly at the coop.
Tracks are another key indicator; bobcat paw prints are typically rounded, about two inches in diameter, and notably lack visible claw marks, as felines generally retract their claws while walking. This distinguishes them from canine tracks, which usually show claw impressions. Scat, or droppings, can also provide clues, though it can be difficult to differentiate from other wild animals without expert analysis.
Bobcats are solitary hunters and tend to be quiet and secretive, often hunting at night, dusk, or dawn. If multiple birds are killed but not eaten, or if there’s extensive disarray without evidence of a single, targeted kill, another predator might be responsible.
Protecting Your Poultry
Securing your poultry requires a multi-faceted approach, focusing on robust coop construction and proactive management. The coop and run should be built with sturdy materials, such as heavy-gauge hardware cloth, rather than chicken wire, which bobcats can tear or chew through. Hardware cloth, with openings of ½ inch or less, provides a stronger barrier against entry.
To prevent bobcats from digging under fences, bury the fencing material at least 12 to 18 inches deep, or create an L-shaped apron of hardware cloth extending outwards from the base of the fence. All doors and gates to the coop and run must have secure, predator-proof latches that cannot be opened by pushing or pulling. Locking mechanisms, such as carabiners or barrel bolts, add an extra layer of security.
For optimal protection, ensure all chickens are locked inside a secure coop at night. Bobcats are often most active during nocturnal hours, and confining birds to a fully enclosed structure significantly reduces their vulnerability. Removing potential attractants, such as spilled feed or standing water, from around the coop area can also deter predators from lingering nearby. Motion-activated lights or alarms can provide a sudden surprise that may scare off an approaching bobcat, though their long-term effectiveness can vary.
While some guard animals, like dogs, can offer protection, their suitability depends on individual temperament and training, and they introduce their own set of responsibilities. Consistent vigilance and routine checks of the coop’s integrity remain important in maintaining a secure environment for your flock.