The bobcat is an adaptable and widespread predator found across North America, ranging from southern Canada down to northern Mexico. This feline is the most common wild cat species in the United States, successfully inhabiting diverse environments from swamps, deserts, forests, and suburban edges. Because bobcats are elusive, nocturnal, and occupy vast territories, determining an exact national count is impossible for wildlife agencies. Population figures provided by researchers and state wildlife departments represent the best available scientific estimates, which fluctuate based on data collection and environmental factors.
The Current National Population Estimate
The most authoritative data places the total bobcat population in the contiguous United States between 2.3 and 3.6 million individuals. This figure is derived from comprehensive surveys conducted across state wildlife management agencies. Scientific consensus indicates this represents a healthy, stable, and often increasing population compared to historical lows experienced in the mid-20th century.
The wide numerical range reflects the difficulty in counting a solitary, non-social carnivore. Precision is complicated because many estimates rely on localized density models extrapolated across vast habitats. Despite these challenges, the consistent trend of stability or growth reported by over 40 states suggests the species is thriving under current management strategies.
Geographic Distribution and Density
Bobcats are found in nearly every contiguous US state, occupying a geographical range spanning 47 states. The only notable exception is Delaware, where the species is considered extirpated. The highest population densities are consistently found in the Southeastern US, which provides dense cover and abundant prey like rabbits and rodents.
The Western states, including Texas and California, also support significant populations, often exhibiting high density in coastal regions and scrublands. For example, some areas in Texas have reported densities as high as 48 bobcats per 100 square kilometers. By contrast, populations in the Northeast and parts of the Midwest are sparser, though they are actively recovering in states like Ohio and Indiana after historical declines due to habitat fragmentation.
Methods Used to Determine Population
Wildlife agencies rely on a suite of scientific techniques to generate relative abundance indices and population estimates.
Genetic Sampling
One increasingly used non-invasive method is genetic sampling, where researchers collect fecal matter (scat) or hair samples. DNA extracted from these samples allows for individual identification through a capture-recapture framework. This framework mathematically estimates the total population size and density in a specific study area.
Harvest Data Analysis
Another long-standing method involves the analysis of harvest data collected from regulated hunting and trapping activities managed at the state level. Mandatory reporting provides biologists with continuous information on age, sex ratio, and reproductive rates within the harvested population. This data is fed into population models to reconstruct trends and estimate overall abundance.
Remote Sensing
Remote sensing, primarily through motion-triggered camera traps, is also employed. This technique calculates density based on the frequency of bobcat sightings in a defined area, offering a non-lethal way to monitor local populations.
Management and Conservation Status
The bobcat is not considered threatened or endangered at the federal level. The species is listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as Least Concern, reflecting its broad distribution and stable population numbers. Management is primarily conducted by state wildlife agencies, which regulate hunting and trapping seasons to maintain population stability through sustainable use.
Internationally, the bobcat is included in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). This listing is due to the pelts’ similarity to those of other, more protected Lynx species, not a threat to the bobcat’s survival. The Appendix II designation requires that all international exports of bobcat pelts be accompanied by permits, ensuring trade is monitored and does not threaten the wild population.