Safety note: Do not approach wild cats. Sighting is rare — observe from a distance.
The Bobcat is North America's most common wild cat, roughly twice the size of a domestic cat, with spotted fur and a short, bobbed tail. Secretive and seldom seen despite being relatively widespread.
Habitat
Forests, brushlands, deserts, and mountain terrain
Diet
Rabbits, rodents, birds, and deer
How common
Rare
Best time to see a Bobcat
The best time to see a Bobcat is August–February, when about 61% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 39,650 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
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Not certain it is a Bobcat? What animal is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Often confused with
Recent Bobcat sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spotted a Bobcat?
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5,300+species
63national parks
50states