Bobcats in Tennessee: How Many Are There and Where Do They Roam?

Bobcats: they’re a staple wild cat here in North America. This includes the southeastern states of the United States, such as Tennessee. However, just about much do you know about bobcats in Tennessee? Keep reading to learn everything from where to live to how many bobcats call Tennessee home. 

About Bobcats

The bobcat (Lynx rufus) is also known as the red lynx. This is one popular wild cat species native to North America, along with other species, such as the mountain lion. The bobcat can be found spread throughout the continent. It can be found as far north as Canada and as far south as Oaxaca in Mexico. There are two different subspecies of bobcats in North America as of 2017. Both subspecies are separated by the Great Plains: L. r. Rufus, which is found eastward, and L. r. Fasciatus, which is found westward. 

There are four main species found in the lynx genus. Of these four, the bobcat is the smallest. However, despite this, it is still larger than your typical house cat and is considered a medium size predator. Measuring from its nose to the base of its tail, an adult bobcat can grow to be anywhere from 18 to 50 inches long. One major contributor to their small size is their stubby tail, which is similar to a Manx cat. 

As you’ll about in more detail below, bobcats thrive in a variety of habitats. This includes rocky terrains as well as forests. They have a brown coat with spots that work to help camouflage the bobcat in the environments they like to call home.

If you’re wondering if you have a bobcat patrolling your yard, you can identify them from their paw prints. Unlike canines, a bobcat’s paw prints won’t have any claws. This is because bobcats have retractable claws like most other species of cats, including house cats. Their pawprints range from 1 to 3 inches in size, making them larger than a house cat’s but smaller than a cougar‘s. 

Bobcats in Tennesse: Population

In the entirety of the United States, it is estimated that there are around 2,352,276 to 3,571,681 individual bobcats. However, because of bobcat behaviors, it can be difficult to know which bobcats live where. They’re prone to moving and migrating, which means the numbers may fluctuate. Hunting can also influence state numbers. As a result, getting an exact number of bobcats in Tennessee can be tricky, but they have a thriving, although rare, population.

Where Do Bobcats Live in Tennessee?

Bobcats are a highly versatile species when it comes to where they live. Because of this, they can be found almost anywhere in Tennessee. They’re not as common in the deep mountains, as this is mountain lion territory, but they can be found in the hills and rocky terrains. They also live in different types of forests, swampy areas, and even desert-style habitats.

Have Bobcats Attacked People in Tennessee?

Bobcat attacks are few and far between. They don’t see humans as prey, and because of their size and ambush behaviors, they’re not likely to confront threats head-on in a fight. Instead, they prefer to flee.

However, instances of bobcat attacks have happened before. Most notable bobcat attacks have been recorded in different areas and states.

Typically, bobcat attacks are rare because of their nature and the fact that they are nocturnal animals. This means that they’re rarely active at the same time as the majority of people. They also tend to shy away from human habitats, preferring to live deeper in the forests. However, as urbanization allows for human cities and homes to spread deeper into the bobcat’s natural environment, encounters are becoming more common. 

Laws Related to Bobcats in Tennessee

The bobcats in Tennessee are considered furbearers. This means that you’re able to hunt them, so long as you have the right permits and licenses. In most areas in Tennessee, you are only allowed to hunt a single bobcat per day.

What to Do if You See a Bobcat in Tennesse

As you learned above, bobcat attacks are rare. However, because they can be deadly, it’s important to be prepared to handle a situation properly. This keeps both you and the bobcat safe. 

If you see a bobcat, scare it. This helps keep it from attacking as a defense mechanism while also not training it to interact with humans. Make yourself appear larger by spreading your legs apart and waving your arms above your head. Shout or clap to increase the effect. Never turn your back or crouch.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Victor Arita/Shutterstock.com