But then states started protecting bobcats by putting strict limits on how many could be hunted or trapped. And it turns out, if people stop actively persecuting bobcats, they actually do just fine.
"Bobcat populations are increasing now, throughout much of their geographic range," says Litvaitis. "I am amazed at the abilities they have to adapt to a demanding and changing environment because, unlike coyotes and foxes, bobcats are strict carnivores, so their diet places substantial challenges to acclimating to suburban and urban life."
In New Hampshire, bobcat numbers were estimated to be around 1,400 in 2013, and are even higher today.
So, how do they manage maintaining a strict carnivore's diet while living catch-as-catch-can in human-centered landscapes from Waverly, Iowa, to Los Angeles? They work smarter, not harder, preying on our backyard chickens and other animals that do well hanging out around people.
"In the northeast, staying close to a bird feeder during winter seems to help bobcats snag unsuspecting squirrels and thus get through the toughest time of year," says Litvaitis.
Of course, cohabiting with humans isn't always great for either the bobcat or human residents. The cats are more likely to be hit by cars or have unpleasant run-in with humans if they're lounging around in somebody's backward waiting for a turkey or chipmunk to wander through. Should you encounter a bobcat, the best advice is to give it as much respect and space as possible. Similarly, a small dog or house cat might be targeted by a bobcat as a potential meal, and domestic cats are susceptible to a tick-borne disease called "bobcat fever" (cytauxzoonosis), for which bobcats are the natural host.
In the meantime, bobcats are doing so well that some states, like Illinois, have passed laws reinstating bobcat hunting and trapping season for the first time in 40 years. But now the question is, how do we maintain a good relationship with bobcat neighbors? It's tricky, but isn't there something kind of wonderful about the idea of having a wild cat in your backyard?
"I'm happy they're thriving," says Litvaitis. "For me, they symbolize the wild portion of nature, and I'm glad they're doing well."
FAQs
If you notice a coyote or bobcat in your area, never let it go by without scaring it. Yell or clap loudly to scare wildlife away; carry something with you to make noise, i.e. an air horn, or something to throw, like a rock or baseball.
Do bobcats come back to same area? ›
Bobcats are territorial and will often return to the property they have claimed as their own, especially if there is a steady food source.
How do you tell if a bobcat has been in your yard? ›
Bobcats will make scrapes to cover up scat or as an independent scent marking. These scrapes can be either uni-directional, with one long scrape ending in a pile, or multi-directional with the pile in the middle of several paw marks (see photo).
What do bobcats give back to the environment? ›
One way is through promoting biodiversity. By feeding at the top of the food chain, bobcats control herbivore (e.g., cottontail rabbits, woodchucks) and mesocarnivore (e.g., opossums, raccoons) populations.
Are bobcats aggressive? ›
You are unlikely to be attacked by one of these small cats unprovoked. Bobcats are afraid of humans and will only become hostile on “rare occasions.”
Would a bobcat live near a neighborhood? ›
They will live in cities, but they still keep their distance from people. A study conducted in Dallas found that bobcats, even in urban areas, avoided areas that were more than 20 percent developed.
What attracts bobcats to your yard? ›
Reduce food attractants around your home by keeping a tight lid on garbage cans, putting garbage out the morning of pickup and not the night before, feeding pets indoors, cleaning up around or removing bird feeders, removing bird baths, and not feeding wildlife.
Why is there a bobcat in my yard? ›
Feeding squirrels, birds or other wildlife can attract bobcats to your property. Remove potential attractants - Keep pet food and water indoors.
Do bobcats usually stay in one area? ›
Bobcats do not migrate, although under extreme conditions they may be forced to shift their range temporarily. They do have, and hold on to, their territories. Females with kittens do most of their hunting within one mile of their dens, even though their territories can be as large as six square miles.
Are bobcats afraid of dogs? ›
Bobcats are typically shy creatures that don't frequently seek out pets. “Bobcat attacks on pets are also very rare and it's usually going to happen when you have an animal that has become habituated, so it's learned to associate that area with a food source,” said urban wildlife biologist Rachel Richter to NBCDFW.
Finding bobcats in open fields, meadows and agricultural areas is not uncommon, provided enough brushy or timbered areas for escape cover is nearby. Bobcats occur less frequently in areas of deep winter snow.
What does a bobcat nest look like? ›
Female Bobcats den in caves, rock piles, hollow trees, brush piles and abandoned beaver lodges. They carefully line the inside of their den with soft debris such as moss, dry leaves and grass formed into a small depression.
What eats a bobcat? ›
Predators of the bobcat include mountain lions, coyotes, foxes, owls, wolves, and humans.
What makes bobcats go away? ›
Actively discourage bobcats by making loud noises and throwing rocks to make them leave. Battery operated flashing lights, tape recorded human noises, scattered moth balls and ammoniasoaked rags strategically placed may deter bobcats from entering your yard.
What time of year are bobcats most active? ›
Bobcats can be active day or night but tend to exhibit crepuscular (dawn and dusk) activity. Their activity peaks three hours before sunset until midnight and again between one hour before and four hours after sunrise. They remain active year round and do not hibernate.
What should I do if I encounter a bobcat? ›
Bosell recommends treating a bobcat like any other wild animal:
- Pick up any small children or pets. ...
- Give the bobcat space and back away slowly. ...
- Let the bobcat know you are there by talking to it or making noise. ...
- If the bobcat approaches you, stomp the ground, clap your hands or yell loudly.
Apex predators are considered to be Mountain Lions, Coyotes, and Bobcats. If you have spotted an apex predator, please complete the form including as much information as possible. These reports will be monitored daily.
Are bobcats afraid of humans? ›
About Bobcats. Bobcats in the wild are naturally shy of humans and are normally most active at sunrise and sunset. Though rare, bobcat sightings are increasing in parts of southern Alberta. Bobcats are highly adaptable and if living in or near human development may lose their fear of people and the noises of the city.
