The bobcat (Lynx rufus) is a medium-sized feline native to North America, ranging from southern Canada through most of the continental United States into Mexico. This adaptable predator typically weighs between 15 and 35 pounds and stands about 12 to 24 inches at the shoulder, characterized by a spotted coat, tufted ears, and a short, “bobbed” tail. Bobcats are generally solitary and crepuscular, meaning they are most active during dawn and dusk, though they can be active at any time. They are opportunistic hunters drawn to residential areas primarily by the availability of food, water, and shelter. Implementing safe, non-lethal prevention methods focuses on eliminating these attractants and securing property boundaries to encourage the bobcat to move elsewhere.
Removing Primary Attractants
The most direct way to discourage a bobcat is to eliminate sources of easy sustenance. Bobcats are drawn by primary prey (rabbits and rodents) and secondary food sources like unsecured garbage and pet food.
Securing all outdoor waste is a foundational step. Use heavy-duty trash cans with locking lids or store containers inside a garage or shed until pickup. This prevents bobcats from accessing food scraps and removes a food source for smaller scavengers like raccoons. Pet food bowls must be brought indoors immediately after mealtimes and never left outside overnight.
Managing rodent populations is also important. Bird feeders should be modified or removed entirely, as fallen seeds attract squirrels and rodents that the bobcat will hunt. Bobcats are also attracted to easy water sources, so limiting standing water from leaky hoses or pet water bowls can further reduce the area’s appeal.
Securing Property Boundaries
Physical exclusion is the most reliable long-term strategy for preventing bobcats from accessing vulnerable areas like yards and livestock enclosures. Bobcats are excellent climbers and can jump high, so perimeter fencing needs specific design considerations. A fence should stand at least six feet high, though eight feet is recommended for areas with persistent wildlife activity.
To prevent climbing, the top of the fence can be augmented with a 45-degree angle overhang facing outward, or a rotating cylinder like a coyote roller. Securing the base is equally important, as bobcats will attempt to dig underneath. The bottom of the fence material should be buried at least 12 inches deep, or an L-footer apron of wire mesh should be extended outward 15 to 18 inches along the ground.
Enclosures for poultry or small livestock require robust, predator-proof construction. Chicken wire is inadequate, so pens must use heavy-gauge welded wire or sturdy hardware cloth with a mesh size smaller than two inches. The enclosure should be fully roofed to prevent entry from above. Potential den sites, such as crawl spaces or areas underneath decks, must be securely sealed off with durable materials.
Non-Lethal Deterrent Tools
Active, sensory-based tools can be deployed to startle and discourage bobcats that approach the property line, serving as a secondary layer of defense. These non-lethal methods rely on sudden, unexpected stimuli to make the environment feel unsafe. Motion-activated lighting is effective because bobcats are often crepuscular or nocturnal, making them vulnerable to a sudden, bright light.
Installing motion-sensor lights, particularly strobes, around the perimeter can startle the animal and cause it to retreat. Motion-activated sprinklers that spray a sudden jet of water are also an excellent deterrent, as the unexpected burst is startling and unpleasant. The efficacy of these tools hinges on the element of surprise; rotating the placement of deterrents prevents the bobcat from becoming habituated.
Commercial repellent sprays often contain ingredients like ammonia or predator urine that require frequent reapplication, especially after rain. These deterrents are typically less effective than physical exclusion or motion-activated devices but can be used strategically near entry points. The goal is to make the bobcat associate the property with an unpleasant experience, encouraging it to search elsewhere.