Beware of Bobcats in These U.S. States

The bobcat is one of North America’s most widely distributed wild cats, with healthy populations thriving across much of the United States. These remarkably adaptable predators inhabit every state except Alaska, Hawaii, and Delaware. They range from rare, transient sightings in some areas to fully established populations in others. Although bobcats generally favor forests, deserts, and other rural landscapes, they are increasingly appearing near suburban edges and, on rare occasions, within urban areas. This trend largely reflects the steady spread of human development into their natural habitats, resulting in more frequent encounters than in the past.

Today, biologists estimate that between 2.3 million and 3.5 million bobcats live in the U.S., with populations stable or increasing in about 40 states. Their success highlights the species’ extraordinary ability to adjust to diverse environments and shifting conditions.

If you encounter a bobcat, stay calm, give it plenty of space, and avoid running. Make yourself appear larger and use loud noises or movement to encourage it to move away.

Where Do Bobcats Like to Live?

The Bobcat is the most widely distributed of all North American felines and is found across North America from southern parts of Canada right down to southern Mexico. They are incredibly versatile animals that have adapted to living in a variety of different habitats throughout the three different countries.

Although Bobcats are animals that are known to prefer rocky hillsides that are well-vegetated, they are found in numerous different habitats throughout their natural range, including mountain woodlands, coniferous forests, swampland, deserts, and even in suburban areas in some places.

What to Do If You Encounter a Bobcat

If you encounter a bobcat in the wild in the USA, here are the steps to follow based on guidance from wildlife agencies:

Do Not Approach: Bobcats are generally elusive and avoid humans. Keep a safe distance and do not approach the animal.
Appear Larger: If the bobcat is close, make yourself appear larger by standing tall, waving your arms, or holding out clothing.
Make Noise: Loud noises can help scare off the bobcat. Clap your hands, shout, or use an object to make noise to scare it away.
Back Away Slowly: Do not run, as this might trigger a chase. Instead, slowly back away while keeping the bobcat in sight.
Protect Pets and Children: If you are with pets or small children, immediately pick them up or keep them close.
Report Aggressive Behavior: If the bobcat displays aggressive behavior, report the encounter to local wildlife authorities or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Bobcats generally avoid humans, and aggressive behavior can be a sign of illness, like rabies.
If Attacked: In the rare event that a bobcat attacks, defend yourself using whatever you have available (sticks, rocks, etc.) and immediately seek medical attention to address possible injuries and check for diseases like rabies.

For more specific information, contact your local state wildlife agency. Each state may have slightly different guidelines depending on the bobcat population and environment.

Alabama

Bobcats are known to live in Alabama.

Arizona

A bobcat, Lynx rufus, on the prowl, hunting in the Sonoran Desert off the Linda Vista trail. Prickly pear, cholla cacti and brittlebush green and vibrant after monsoon rains. Oro Valley, Arizona, USA. — ©Charles T. Peden/Shutterstock.com

Mainly inhabiting the Sonoran Desert of Arizona, there are roughly 7,000 bobcats living in the state.

Arkansas

Bobcats are known to roam in Arkansas.

California

There are between 69,429 and 72,735 bobcats in California.

Colorado

A bobcat hunts for prey in a snowy forest habitat. — ©Grindstone Media Group/Shutterstock.com

There are 12,000 bobcats roaming around in Colorado.

Connecticut

Around 2,000 bobcats roam around in the Connecticut wilderness.

Florida

Cute Baby Bobcat (Lynx rufus) with tail up — ©Mark Kostich/iStock via Getty Images

There are around 303,338 bobcats in Florida.

Georgia

A bobcat with detailed fur markings sharpening its claws on a log — ©Jeff Westhead/Shutterstock.com

There are between 209,870 and 249,845 bobcats in Georgia.

Idaho

Bobcats are known to live in Idaho.

Illinois

Young Bobcat Kitten in Tree Eyes Open — ©WhirlVFX - Pamela Werrell/Shutterstock.com

There are about 5,000 bobcats roaming around Illinois.

Indiana

About 1,000 bobcats inhabit the state of Indiana.

Iowa

About 6,000 bobcats live in Iowa.

Kansas

Bobcats are known to live in Kansas.

Kentucky

Bobcat leaping from rock to rock through forest — ©Chris Desborough/Shutterstock.com

There are 5,000 bobcats living in the rural areas of Kentucky.

Louisiana

Bobcats are known to live in Louisiana.

Maine

About 2,000 bobcats roam around in Maine.

Maryland

Bobcats are known to live in Maryland.

Massachusetts

Bobcat on log — ©Don Mammoser/Shutterstock.com

Bobcats are known to live in Massachusetts.

Michigan

About 10,000 bobcats inhabit the wilderness of Michigan.

Minnesota

©Bildagentur Zoonar GmbH/Shutterstock.com

There are roughly 2,000 bobcats in Minnesota.

Mississippi

Bobcats are known to roam around in Mississippi.

Missouri

Bobcats are known to live in Missouri.

Montana

bobcat looking directly at camera — ©iStock.com/Anita Elder Design

Around 4,000 bobcats traverse the wilderness of Montana.

Nebraska

Roughly 1,000 bobcats roam the rural areas of Nebraska.

Nevada

Bobcat stare — ©Len Blumin, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons - Original / License

Bobcats are known to roam around in Nevada.

New Hampshire

Around 1,400 bobcats are roaming about in New Hampshire.

New Jersey

Bobcats are known to live in New Jersey.

New Mexico

Bobcats are known to roam around in New Mexico.

New York

What Eats Snakes — ©iStock.com/JohnPitcher

Bobcats are known to live in New York.

North Carolina

Head shot of a bobcat — ©Victor Arita/Shutterstock.com

Although you can spot them in the coastal areas, the majority of the 20,000 bobcats are found near the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina.

North Dakota

Bobcats are known to roam around in the wilderness of North Dakota.

Ohio

Pair of Bobcats in their Den — © Johann Knox/Shutterstock.com

There are around 500 bobcats in Ohio, mostly in rural areas.

Oklahoma

Bobcats are known to live in Oklahoma.

Oregon

bobcat with a rat — ©gobirdnerds/Shutterstock.com

There are 7,000 bobcats living in Oregon, particularly in the western portions.

Pennsylvania

Bobcats are known to live in Pennsylvania.

Rhode Island

Bobcats are known to roam through Rhode Island.

South Carolina

Bobcats are known to live in South Carolina.

South Dakota

Bobcats are known to live in South Dakota.

Tennessee

Bobcats are known to roam around in the wilderness of Tennessee.

Texas

Bobcats are known to live in Texas.

Utah

Bobcats are known to roam around in the wilderness of Utah.

Vermont

Although a small state, there are still 3,000 bobcats roaming around in Vermont.

Virginia

Bobcats are known to live in Virginia.

Washington

Bobcats are known to roam around in the wilderness of Washington.

West Virginia

Around 2,500 bobcats traverse the wilderness of West Virginia.

Wisconsin

Roughly around 46,500 bobcats live in Wisconsin.

Wyoming

Bobcats are known to live in Wyoming.

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