Bobcats, elusive wild cats native to North America, are the only feline predator found in Pennsylvania. These adaptable creatures, known for their tufted ears and short, “bobbed” tails, are an important part of the state’s wildlife.
Where Bobcats Roam in Pennsylvania
Bobcats are present across significant portions of Pennsylvania, with their typical range tracing the Appalachian and Allegheny mountain ranges. This extends from the southwestern part of the state, through the north-central counties, and into the northeastern regions. The north-central region of Pennsylvania is where bobcats are most commonly found, due to its sparse human population and extensive wildlands.
Surveys have indicated a particular concentration of bobcats in Centre and Clinton counties. While they are widespread, with evidence of their presence reported in 47 of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties, their distribution is not uniform. Areas with dense human populations, such as the northwestern and southeastern parts of the state, tend to have few or no bobcats due to a lack of suitable habitat.
Factors Influencing Bobcat Distribution
Bobcat distribution across Pennsylvania is influenced by the availability of suitable habitat and an ample food supply. These animals thrive in a variety of environments, including forested mountains, swampy areas, and even agricultural lands and suburban woodlots. Remote areas, particularly those near clearcuts, are favorable for bobcats because these areas often see an increase in small mammal populations, providing a richer prey base.
Their diet primarily consists of small animals like mice, woodrats, shrews, squirrels, chipmunks, birds, rabbits, and hares. Bobcats are opportunistic hunters, and their diet can also include mink, muskrat, skunk, fish, and frogs. For safety and raising their young, bobcats use natural shelters such as caves, tree-root chambers, brush piles, and burrows. Human activity also plays a role, as bobcats avoid densely populated areas and can face increased mortality near busy roads.
Pennsylvania’s Bobcat Conservation Status
The bobcat is classified as a managed furbearer species in Pennsylvania, overseen by the Pennsylvania Game Commission. The state’s bobcat population has seen a significant increase and expansion throughout the Commonwealth since 1970. Current estimates suggest a stable population of around 20,000 bobcats across Pennsylvania, with some regions experiencing growing numbers.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List ranks bobcats as one of the state’s least endangered species due to their widespread distribution and abundance. Historically, bobcats faced persecution, with bounties placed on them from 1916 to 1938. Their population began to rebound after they were reclassified as a furbearer in 1970 and later given “game animal” status, leading to a conservative management program that includes limited harvesting by hunters and trappers.