Bobcats are as elusive as they are fascinating, and it’s sometimes hard to know whether you can see them. Although they live everywhere except Delaware, here are 20 states where you’ll likely find them roaming freely.
Arizona
Arizona has diverse habitats, including deserts and forests, so you shouldn’t be surprised to find bobcats anywhere within the state. There’s an estimated between 62,000 and 66,000 bobcats here, and the Arizona Game and Fish Department says that you’ll especially find them in the Sonoran desert, rimrock, and chaparral areas.
Wyoming
In Wyoming, bobcats inhabit areas ranging from the plains to the mountainous regions. With a population of about 17,000, these elusive creatures are well adapted to the state’s diverse habitats. Sightings are frequent in national parks and remote wilderness areas, adding to the state’s rich wildlife experience.
California
There are even more bobcats in California, with up to 100,000 here roaming free. These cats adapt well to different landscapes, and the conservation department adds that “they fill an important niche in the ecosystem and contribute to healthy biodiversity throughout the state.”
Texas
Due to its expansive ranchlands and forests, Texas is a haven for bobcats, and an estimated 100,000 of them have made their home here. Bobcats can be seen anywhere within the state, even on the open plains, but it’s more common to find them in wooded, broken areas where they can hide and forage.
Missouri
In Missouri, bobcats inhabit forests and rural regions, making them a common sight. They used to live mainly in the Ozarks and Bootheel but have recently expanded into the north and west regions. Their presence is crucial for controlling rodent populations in these areas.
Florida
The wetlands and forests of Florida provide an ideal environment for bobcats, and they can be found in all 67 counties of the state. Frequently spotted in places like the Everglades and other state parks, they are adept at navigating the swampy terrain and play a crucial role in controlling the rodent population in these areas.
Colorado
In Colorado, bobcats roam the Rocky Mountains and surrounding areas. Known for their ability to thrive in rugged terrain, hikers and campers often see these cats. The state’s national parks offer prime locations for spotting the estimated 12,000 bobcats in their natural environment.
New Mexico
New Mexico’s deserts and forests are home to a healthy population of around 15,000 bobcats. These elusive cats are adept at surviving in harsh conditions, from arid deserts to mountainous regions. Wildlife watchers often catch glimpses of bobcats while exploring the state’s diverse landscapes.
Nevada
With its vast deserts and mountainous regions, Nevada also provides a perfect habitat for bobcats. Bobcats are often found in remote areas away from human settlements, and sightings in Nevada, home to approximately 27,000 of these cats, can be a rewarding experience for those willing to venture into the wild.
Oregon
Oregon’s lush forests and coastal areas support a thriving bobcat population of about 30,000. These adaptable predators are often seen in the state’s dense woodlands, so hiking trails and rural regions of Oregon offer excellent opportunities for observing them in the wild.
Washington
In Washington, bobcats inhabit forests, mountains, and even suburban areas, and their adaptability allows them to thrive in these various environments across the state. With an estimated population of 15,000, wildlife enthusiasts can often spot bobcats in national parks and nature reserves throughout Washington.
Montana
Montana’s vast wilderness areas are perfect for bobcats. They are a vital part of the ecosystem in Montana, as they help to control populations of small mammals and other prey. There are around 7,000 of them, and they are frequently seen in the state’s forests and grasslands.
Utah
Utah’s national parks and rugged landscapes are home to numerous bobcats. These predators are skilled at navigating the state’s rocky terrain and desert areas. With an estimated population of over 10,000, bobcat sightings are common in Utah’s wilderness, providing exciting opportunities for wildlife photographers and nature lovers.
Idaho
Idaho offers a mix of forests, mountains, and open plains where approximately 14,000 bobcats can be found. Their presence is notable in the state’s remote and rural areas. Hikers and campers in Idaho often report sightings of elusive bobcats while exploring the backcountry.
South Dakota
South Dakota’s prairies and forests are home to a significant bobcat population of around 2,000. These predators are often spotted in rural and less populated regions of the state, so wildlife enthusiasts visiting South Dakota have good chances of observing bobcats in their natural surroundings.
North Dakota
North Dakota also provides a suitable environment for approximately 1,500 bobcats, particularly in its forest and grassland areas. These cats are skilled at living in both wooded and open regions, and bobcat sightings are an additional highlight for nature watchers exploring the state’s scenic landscapes.
Nebraska
Nebraska’s varied terrain, including prairies and woodlands, supports a healthy bobcat population of about 6,000. These adaptable predators are commonly found in the state’s rural areas. These sightings in Nebraska often occur in less developed regions because bobcats here thrive away from human activity.
Kansas
Kansas is another state where bobcats, numbering around 2,500, are frequently seen. They may not be as many as in other states, but their presence is still notable in the state’s forests and agricultural areas. Bobcats in Kansas play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the local ecosystem by preying on small mammals.
Oklahoma
In Oklahoma, bobcats are common in both forested and open areas. Their adaptability allows them to thrive in various habitats across the state. Nature reserves and rural regions in Oklahoma, home to about 6,000 bobcats, are prime spots for observing these elusive predators.
Alabama
These adaptable predators thrive in Alabama’s varied environments as well. The state’s woodlands and swamps support a healthy population of bobcats, especially in its Coastal Plains and Piedmont areas. It is common to see them in rural and less-populated areas, providing ample opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts to observe bobcats in the wild.
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