The stealthy, short-tailed hunter is thriving—and some states are absolutely teeming with them.
Bobcats are masters of survival, slipping through forests, mountains, and even suburban backyards without being noticed. Their population is booming in many parts of the U.S., with some states home to tens of thousands of these elusive felines.
But where do they roam in the highest numbers? Which states are practically bobcat headquarters? You might be surprised by some of the places where these wild cats have made themselves right at home.
Let’s dive into the 20 U.S. states where bobcats reign supreme—and what makes them the perfect playground for these fierce, fluffy predators.
Texas
Texas is home to one of the largest bobcat populations in the United States. The vast and varied landscapes, from deserts to forests, provide ideal habitats for bobcats. These felines are highly adaptable and thrive in areas with abundant prey such as rabbits and rodents.
Bobcats in Texas are known for being elusive, often prowling during the twilight hours. The state’s warm climate and diverse terrain make it a perfect sanctuary for these solitary hunters.
Interestingly, Texas bobcats are often seen near urban areas, showcasing their impressive adaptability to human presence.
California
California offers a perfect blend of habitats for bobcats, from coastal areas to mountainous regions. This state’s mild climate and diverse ecosystems support a healthy bobcat population.
In California, bobcats can often be found in chaparral, forests, and deserts, where they prey on small mammals and birds. These cats are solitary and territorial, often marking their ranges with scent markings.
Additionally, California’s emphasis on environmental conservation helps maintain the natural habitats needed for bobcats to flourish.
Florida
Florida’s subtropical climate and expansive wetlands provide excellent habitats for bobcats. These agile predators are found throughout the state, from swamps to forests.
Bobcats in Florida are not just limited to the wild; they have been spotted in suburban areas, blending well with the environment. Their diet mainly consists of small mammals, birds, and reptiles.
The state’s conservation efforts contribute to the thriving bobcat population, ensuring these captivating creatures continue to roam freely.
Georgia
Georgia’s dense pine forests and diverse landscapes create an ideal setting for bobcats. These adaptable creatures are no strangers to the various terrains found within the state.
Bobcats here often dwell in forests and wooded areas, where they hunt for rabbits and other small prey. Their nocturnal nature allows them to avoid human interaction, making them a rare sighting.
Georgia’s commitment to preserving natural habitats aids in sustaining a healthy bobcat population across the state.
Illinois
In Illinois, bobcats thrive in the prairies and wooded areas, where they have plenty of prey and cover. The state’s conservation programs have helped boost the bobcat population in recent years.
These stealthy predators prefer remote areas but are sometimes seen near farmland, where they hunt for rodents and rabbits. The mix of rural landscape and conservation efforts have been key to their resurgence.
Bobcats in Illinois are a testament to successful wildlife management and habitat preservation strategies.
Arkansas
Arkansas boasts a significant bobcat population, particularly in its forested regions. These areas provide ample cover and prey for the elusive bobcats.
Bobcats in Arkansas are skilled hunters, often preying on small mammals and birds. Their ability to adapt to different environments ensures their survival across the state.
Conservation efforts in Arkansas focus on preserving natural habitats, which are crucial for maintaining healthy bobcat numbers.
Missouri
Missouri is home to a flourishing bobcat population, largely due to its extensive woodlands and conservation efforts. These solitary cats are found throughout the state, particularly in areas with dense vegetation.
Bobcats in Missouri are adept at hunting in various environments, from forests to fields. They primarily feed on small mammals, which are abundant in the region.
The state’s initiatives to protect wildlife habitats have played a significant role in preserving bobcat numbers.
Tennessee
Tennessee’s diverse landscapes, including the Appalachian Mountains, provide excellent habitats for bobcats. These creatures thrive in the state’s forests and mountainous areas.
Bobcats are often seen in remote regions, where they hunt for small mammals and birds. Their secretive nature makes them an intriguing part of Tennessee’s wildlife.
Conservation efforts in Tennessee ensure that these habitats remain intact, supporting the bobcat population.
North Carolina
North Carolina offers a diverse range of environments for bobcats, from coastal regions to the Blue Ridge Mountains. The state’s varied landscapes support a healthy population of these felines.
In North Carolina, bobcats can be found in forests, swamps, and suburban areas. Their adaptability is key to their survival in such a varied environment.
Efforts to conserve natural habitats have been instrumental in maintaining the bobcat population throughout the state.
Michigan
Michigan’s vast forests and diverse ecosystems provide a perfect backdrop for bobcats. These solitary hunters thrive in the state’s woodlands, particularly during the winter months.
Bobcats in Michigan are known to hunt in snowy conditions, preying on rabbits and other small mammals. The state’s commitment to wildlife conservation ensures these habitats are preserved.
As a result, Michigan maintains a stable bobcat population, contributing to the state’s rich biodiversity.
Wisconsin
Wisconsin’s extensive forests and wilderness areas offer ideal habitats for bobcats. These felines are well-adapted to the state’s cold winters and diverse ecosystems.
Bobcats in Wisconsin are often found in remote regions, where they hunt for small prey such as rabbits and birds. Their elusive nature makes them a rare sight, adding to their mystique.
Efforts to protect wildlife habitats in Wisconsin have been key to sustaining a healthy bobcat population.
Alabama
Alabama’s varied landscapes, from forests to wetlands, support a thriving bobcat population. These adaptable creatures are found throughout the state, often in remote areas.
Bobcats in Alabama are skilled hunters, primarily preying on small mammals. Their nocturnal habits help them avoid human interaction, making sightings rare.
Conservation programs in Alabama focus on preserving natural habitats, ensuring bobcats continue to thrive across the state.
Minnesota
Minnesota’s extensive forests and wilderness areas provide perfect habitats for bobcats. These solitary cats are well-suited to the state’s cold climate and diverse environments.
Bobcats in Minnesota are often found in remote regions, where they hunt for rabbits and other small mammals. Their elusive nature adds to their allure, making them a fascinating subject for wildlife enthusiasts.
Efforts to conserve natural habitats have been crucial in maintaining Minnesota’s bobcat population.
Kentucky
Kentucky’s lush forests and rolling hills create an ideal setting for bobcats to thrive. These adaptable creatures find ample prey and cover in the state’s diverse landscapes.
Bobcats in Kentucky are skilled hunters, often preying on small mammals and birds. Their nocturnal habits allow them to avoid human interaction, making them a rare sight.
Efforts to preserve wildlife habitats in Kentucky have been instrumental in supporting the state’s bobcat population.
New York
New York’s Adirondack region provides a perfect habitat for bobcats, with its dense forests and mountainous terrain. These solitary hunters thrive in the area’s rugged landscapes.
Bobcats in New York are often seen in remote regions, where they hunt for small prey such as rabbits and birds. Their elusive nature makes sightings rare, adding to their mystique.
Conservation efforts in New York focus on preserving these critical habitats, supporting a healthy bobcat population.
Mississippi
Mississippi’s diverse landscapes, including forests and wetlands, support a thriving bobcat population. These adaptable creatures are found throughout the state, often in remote areas.
Bobcats in Mississippi are skilled hunters, primarily preying on small mammals and birds. Their nocturnal habits help them avoid human interaction, making sightings rare.
Conservation programs in Mississippi focus on preserving natural habitats, ensuring bobcats continue to thrive across the state.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania offers diverse habitats for bobcats, from forests to mountainous regions. These elusive cats are found throughout the state, thriving in areas with dense vegetation.
Bobcats in Pennsylvania are adept at hunting small mammals, which are abundant in the region. Their secretive nature makes them a rare and exciting find for wildlife enthusiasts.
The state’s efforts to conserve natural habitats have been key to maintaining a healthy bobcat population.
Virginia
Virginia’s varied landscapes, from mountains to coastlines, support a robust bobcat population. These adaptable creatures thrive in the state’s diverse environments.
Bobcats in Virginia are often found in forests and wooded areas, where they hunt for small prey such as rabbits and birds. Their nocturnal nature allows them to avoid human interaction, making them an elusive presence.
Efforts to conserve wildlife habitats in Virginia have been crucial in supporting the bobcat population.
South Carolina
South Carolina’s diverse landscapes, including its lowcountry marshlands, provide excellent habitats for bobcats. These solitary cats are well-adapted to the state’s warm climate and varied ecosystems.
Bobcats in South Carolina are often found in remote areas, where they hunt for small mammals and birds. Their elusive nature adds to their mystique, making them a fascinating subject for wildlife enthusiasts.
Conservation efforts in South Carolina focus on preserving natural habitats, ensuring these creatures continue to thrive.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma’s wide-open plains and diverse landscapes provide ideal conditions for bobcats to thrive. These adaptable creatures are found throughout the state, often in rural areas.
Bobcats in Oklahoma are skilled hunters, primarily preying on small mammals and birds. Their nocturnal habits help them avoid human interaction, making sightings rare.
Efforts to preserve natural habitats in Oklahoma have been crucial in maintaining a healthy bobcat population across the state.