Bobcats are wild felids native to North America. These adaptable predators inhabit diverse environments, including forests, semi-deserts, and even urban edge areas. While their presence can sometimes cause concern, bobcats are typically reclusive and generally avoid human contact. Their stealthy nature means many people may live near them without ever seeing one.
Bobcat Behavior and Natural Tendencies
Bobcats are solitary and territorial animals, marking their home ranges with scent and claw marks. They are primarily crepuscular, meaning they are most active during twilight hours, around dawn and dusk, though they can be active at night. Bobcats also move during the day, especially from April to July when they are raising young.
Their diet primarily consists of small mammals, such as rabbits, hares, and rodents like squirrels and mice. Bobcats are opportunistic hunters and will prey on birds, insects, and occasionally larger animals like deer fawns.
Factors Increasing Risk
While bobcats typically shy away from people, certain circumstances can increase the likelihood of an encounter or a defensive reaction. Unusual behavior can indicate illness. A bobcat acting aggressive, disoriented, or unusually bold during the daytime might be sick, possibly with rabies. While bobcats can contract rabies, the incidence of this disease in their population is generally low.
A mother bobcat might act defensively if she perceives her kittens are threatened, or any bobcat could react aggressively if it feels cornered or injured. These instances are usually defensive responses rather than unprovoked aggression. Bobcats can also lose their natural fear of humans if they become accustomed to finding easy food sources near homes. This habituation occurs when pet food is left outdoors or trash cans are not securely sealed, leading bobcats to associate human presence with readily available meals.
While direct attacks on humans are rare, small pets, such as outdoor cats and small dogs, are vulnerable to bobcat predation, particularly if left unsupervised. Poultry and small livestock are also at risk if their enclosures are not adequately secured.
Preventing Encounters and Protecting Animals
Proactive steps can reduce bobcat encounters. Securing outdoor food sources is a primary measure. This includes ensuring trash cans have tight-fitting lids, bringing pet food indoors, and cleaning up fallen fruit from trees. Removing such attractants discourages bobcats and their prey from frequenting your property.
Protecting pets requires vigilance, especially during dawn and dusk when bobcats are most active. Keeping cats indoors is a recommended practice, and small dogs should always be supervised when outside, particularly on a leash. Secure enclosures with strong materials like heavy-gauge wire and L-shaped footers buried underground can protect poultry and livestock. Clearing dense brush and overgrown vegetation around your home eliminates potential hiding spots for bobcats. Motion-activated lights and sounds, such as air horns or radios, can also serve as effective deterrents.
Responding to a Bobcat Encounter
If you encounter a bobcat, it is important to remain calm and maintain a safe distance. Do not approach or attempt to feed the animal, as this can encourage habituation. Instead, make yourself appear as large as possible by waving your arms or opening your jacket. Making loud noises, such as yelling or using a whistle, can also help to scare the bobcat away.
Avoid running, as this action can trigger a bobcat’s chase instinct. Slowly back away while keeping your eyes on the animal, allowing it an escape route. If children or pets are with you, immediately bring them indoors to safety. In cases where a bobcat appears sick, injured, or exhibits unusual aggression, it is important to contact local animal control or wildlife authorities for assistance.