Bobcats are medium-sized wild felines native across a vast range from southern Canada, through the contiguous United States, and down into central Mexico. They have a tan to gray-brown coat, distinctive dark spotting, and prominent ear tufts, named for their short, dark-tipped “bobbed” tail. Adult males average around 21 pounds, while females average about 15 pounds, making them two to three times the size of a typical house cat. Despite their predatory nature, documented attacks on people, especially children, are extremely rare.
Assessing the Actual Risk of Attack
Bobcats are solitary, highly elusive animals that rely on avoiding human contact entirely. They are primarily crepuscular, most active during the low-light hours of dawn and dusk when human activity is lower. Their innate wariness toward humans means the vast majority of sightings end with the cat fleeing quickly into cover. This aversion is the most significant factor in the low rate of conflict.
A bobcat’s body size also reduces its threat level compared to other predators in the same areas. Weighing around 20 pounds, they are substantially smaller than a coyote or a mountain lion. Bobcats do not possess the size or hunting behavior to view a human, even a small child, as a prey item. Incidents that occur are typically defensive or involve an animal whose behavior has been compromised.
Circumstances That Lead to Conflict
Rare instances of aggressive or bold bobcat behavior are almost always linked to specific, abnormal circumstances. The most common cause is the presence of the rabies virus, which attacks the central nervous system and eliminates the animal’s natural fear of humans. Rabid bobcats may be sighted during the day, act erratically, or approach people without hesitation, which is a clear departure from normal behavior.
Another driver of conflict is habituation, occurring when bobcats associate human residences with easy food sources. When people leave out pet food, feed other wildlife, or fail to secure garbage, the cat loses its wariness and becomes bolder. This increased comfort near homes can lead to closer encounters. Conflicts also arise purely from defense, such as when a mother is protecting kittens or when an animal feels cornered or injured.
Proactive Steps to Deter Bobcats
Homeowners can reduce the potential for conflict by eliminating attractants that draw bobcats into residential spaces. Securing all outdoor food sources is the most direct preventative measure, including feeding pets indoors and ensuring garbage cans have tight-fitting, wildlife-proof lids. Containers should be washed frequently with disinfectant to eliminate residual odors, and placed outside only on the morning of collection.
Modifying the landscape removes potential hiding spots and makes the area less appealing for a bobcat to linger. This involves trimming dense shrubs, brush piles, and low-hanging tree branches near the house to reduce cover. Installing motion-activated lighting is also effective, as bobcats are most active during low-light hours and will be startled by a sudden flash of light.
Protecting small domestic animals is also important, as bobcats will opportunistically prey on unsecured cats, small dogs, or poultry. Small pets should be kept indoors, especially from dusk until dawn. Outdoor enclosures for fowl or livestock must be secured with heavy-gauge, welded wire that is buried at least 12 inches into the ground or equipped with an L-shaped footer to prevent digging.
Responding to a Direct Encounter
If a bobcat is sighted nearby, calmly gather any small children or pets; this makes the person appear larger and removes a potential target. Never run, as this can trigger a chase instinct. Instead, face the cat and begin “hazing” to re-establish its natural fear of humans.
Hazing involves making oneself appear as imposing as possible by raising arms overhead, opening a coat, or standing on an elevated surface. Making loud noise, such as yelling, clapping, or blowing a whistle, can effectively startle and deter the animal. Maintain eye contact while slowly backing away, ensuring the bobcat has a clear escape route. If a bobcat does not flee, appears sick, or acts aggressively, local animal control or wildlife authorities should be contacted immediately for professional assessment.