Discover 2 Smells That Bobcats Absolutely Hate and Keep Them Away

Listen, they’re cute. They kind of look like your favorite floof. But these animals are often twice the size, and they can be dangerous if they get too close. Discover two smells that bobcats absolutely hate and keep them away! Plus, learn if you have attractants on your property that you need to remove.

What Are Bobcats?

Bobcats (scientific name: Lynx rufus) are carnivorous mammals that grow to weigh anywhere between 11 and 30 pounds. They employ an ambushing strategy when hunting, waiting for unsuspecting animals like squirrels and rabbits to get close before they emerge from a bush with a powerful pounce. These cats can reach speeds of up to 30 miles per hour and they don’t stop at small mammals when they’re hungry. They can also take down prey bigger than them, including young deer!

Discover 2 Smells That Bobcats Absolutely Hate and Keep Them Away

1. Wolf Urine

Something happens when this scent is sprayed near a bobcat. They lose it thinking and expecting the worst. A wolf is a natural predator and wolf urine is ingrained as a genetic code that lets bobcats know they need to get out of there — fast! Bobcats are immediately filled with fear and think the end is near. Wanting to survive, they keep far away from potential predators, which works out nicely for you if you’re trying to keep them away. And yes, you can buy this stuff in a bottle! You don’t need the cooperation of a wolf.

2. Ammonia-Soaked Rags

It is a great idea to scatter ammonia-soaked rags everywhere as they signify that other bobcats have been around. This works much like actual droppings. It gives off the impression that another bobcat has claimed ownership of the territory. That smell should be enough of a deterrent for them to leave. You would be making the area unattractive for them so they might turn around and take off, leaving you free and clear of their presence. They won’t like your property very much after picking up the ammonia scent, and that’s the point! But you’ll have to deal with the smell for a bit too.

Additional Methods of Deterring Bobcats

Motion-Activated Lights

These lights work nicely for deterring bobcats. Just make sure the range is appropriate. Keep in mind that the sensor should be close to where you do not want a bobcat to get near, and the light should be strong enough to startle it. Bobcats are shy creatures and are more active at night. While the lights work really well, try not to rely 100% on them. Consider the use of other tools and motion-activated lights as a supplementary tool.

Loud Noises

You can have a loud recorder go off using a sensor every time a bobcat approaches. It can also be a continuous sound. Even your favorite podcast works! The point is to have humans talking loudly. You may also consider a tall (at least six-foot) fence. It’s a jungle out there, and in some cases, there is no such thing as “too much.”

Motion-Activated Sprinklers

Bobcats can startle with a sudden burst of water sprayed on them. This is an excellent deterrent. Maybe not so much for your water bill but they will remember the scary moment with a particular house and chances are they will not want to visit the same house again. Which again, works out well for you in the end!

What Attracts Bobcats?

Birdseed, Birds, and Rodents

Bobcats are usually drawn to mice, rats, and rabbits. They make for fantastic snacks. If you have a bird feeder, it is likely to attract rodents and since that is a meal for bobcats, you don’t want them to think they’re welcome. Once they’re close, they may even think that your beloved pets can be a meal for them too. Using several deterrents and keeping attractants at a minimum are necessary actions to keep your pets safe.

Pet Food and Water Sources

Bobcats take every chance they can to hide and ambush their prey, but they’ll also take a free meal. Pet food might bring them over, so be sure to keep it tightly sealed and ideally indoors. It is important for bobcats to be near ponds or rivers, as a water source is essential for them. If you have any water sources on your property, you may consider draining them.

Fallen Fruit From Fruit Trees

All fruit that is ripe and reachable should be taken down and picked up from the floor so as not to invite a bobcat to snack on them. Yes, a hungry bobcat might leave the area clean but it’s going to want to come back for more.

Summary of 5 Ways to Deter Bobcats

Here’s a recap of 5 effective ways you can keep bobcats off of your property.