A bobcat sighting during the day is not a cause for immediate alarm. While they are not classified as diurnal, meaning active primarily during the day, their activity schedule is flexible and they modify it based on certain needs. Seeing a bobcat, or Lynx rufus, in the sun does not automatically indicate that the animal is ill or distressed. Diurnal activity is a normal part of their behavioral repertoire.
The Bobcat’s Natural Schedule
The bobcat is a medium-sized feline native to North America, characterized by its short, “bobbed” tail and spotted coat. This solitary species is found across a wide range of habitats, including forests, mountains, and semi-desert areas, throughout most of the continental United States, southern Canada, and Mexico. Bobcats are primarily defined as crepuscular, meaning they are most active during the twilight hours of dawn and dusk. This schedule allows them to take advantage of low light for stalking and ambushing their prey, but it is frequently adjusted based on environmental conditions and the activity of local prey species.
Why Bobcats Hunt During Daylight Hours
Bobcats often hunt or forage during the day due to specific needs, overriding their typical crepuscular schedule. The most common reason is the need to pursue prey that is active during daylight hours, such as certain species of rabbits or ground squirrels. If the local diet consists heavily of diurnal prey, the cat must be active during the day to hunt successfully.
The urgency of hunger, particularly for females with dependent young, also leads to increased daytime activity to secure food for their kits. Additionally, bobcats may become more diurnal during the fall and winter months. In colder weather, they move during the day to conserve energy and take advantage of warmth, especially when prey is also more active.
Understanding Daytime Behavior
Most daytime sightings involve a bobcat moving quickly between areas of cover or briefly hunting small prey. It is important to distinguish this normal, flexible behavior from signs of distress or illness. A healthy bobcat seen during the day will be alert and maintain a natural wariness of humans, moving away if approached.
Signs of Distress
Signs that a bobcat may be sick or injured include severe lethargy, staggering, or walking in circles. A lack of fear of humans, excessive drooling, or collapsing may indicate rabies or other neurological diseases, though rabies is rare. Mange is another common ailment, causing patchy hair loss that can make the animal appear disoriented or weak, sometimes forcing it to hunt during less optimal times.
Safe Encounters and Coexistence
Bobcats are shy and generally avoid human interaction, keeping the risk of conflict low. Taking preventative steps helps encourage peaceful coexistence by avoiding attracting them to residential areas.
Preventing Attraction
To secure potential food sources and hiding spots:
- Feed pets indoors.
- Secure garbage containers with tight-fitting lids.
- Remove brush piles that could serve as hiding spots for the cats.
- Remove brush piles that could serve as hiding spots for their prey.
If you encounter a bobcat that does not immediately retreat, you can perform “hazing” to re-establish its natural fear of humans. This involves making yourself appear larger by raising your arms and making loud noises, such as yelling or blowing a whistle. Never run or turn your back on the animal, and bring small pets inside, as bobcats may view them as potential prey.