Bobcats are common throughout Arizona, spanning various elevations, particularly in regions like the Sonoran desert, rimrock, chaparral areas, and even on the fringes of urban zones where food resources are readily available. Typically solitary creatures, bobcats can occasionally be observed in pairs or small groups of mating pairs, siblings, or mother-offspring pairs. Their peak activity periods are around sunrise and sunset, and it’s not unusual to spot them resting beneath shrubs in residential backyards. These feline residents establish territories spanning anywhere from one to 12 square miles.

Despite diminishing habitats due to human development, bobcat populations remain stable. While these creatures are elusive and tend to shy away from human interaction, sightings in suburban areas, including major cities like Phoenix and Tucson, seem to be on the rise. Recently with the summer heat, they’re likely looking for water.

Bobcat Description

• Coat: Tan with dark spots
• Tail: Short with a black tip on the upper side
• Weight: 12-30 pounds (males larger than females)
• Height: 18-24 inches
• Length: 24-36 inches
• Mating Season: December to March
• Average Litter: 2-3 kittens, usually born from late March to early June
• Lifespan: 10-15 years
• Jumping Ability: Up to 12 feet
• Diet: Carnivorous, primarily feeding on small mammals and birds (including domestic birds and rabbits); also consumes lizards, snakes, and small pets like house cats

Potential Human or Pet Encounters

Spotting a bobcat near your residence doesn’t warrant panic. Bobcats rarely threaten humans, with most human interactions involving rabies-related incidents. Instead, the bobcat’s presence in your vicinity may be due to the abundance of wildlife, domestic birds, small pets, water sources, or shelter in your yard. Protecting small pets from bobcats and other predators is crucial. Keep them indoors, in enclosed areas with roofs, or on leashes when outside (note that a 6-foot fence may not deter bobcats, as they are skilled climbers and jumpers). Domestic birds should have secure enclosures with sturdy roofs and avoid spreading birdseed that could attract wildlife. Whether intentional or unintentional, feeding bobcats can lead to undue comfort around humans, possibly resulting in conflicts.

What Draws Them?

Bobcats may visit an area for sustenance, water, refuge, or suitable living space.

• Food sources include birds, rodents, rabbits, small unattended pets, poultry or other domestic birds, and small livestock.
• Water resources such as pools, birdbaths, fountains, and pet water dishes can entice bobcats.
• Shelter options for bobcats include rooftops, attics, patios, and spaces beneath decks. Small areas like planters, rubbish piles, and sheds can become appealing dens. Bobcats are drawn to dense foliage, shaded spots, and unoccupied yards where they can rest or bask.

Recommended Actions

While observing bobcats in your yard can be intriguing, deterring bobcats from entering your property might be necessary if you have small pets or livestock. It’s essential to maintain the wild nature of wildlife.

Bobcats thrive in areas rich in food sources. This means that even if one bobcat is removed, other bobcats will persist as long as the attractions remain unchanged. Bobcats hold onto their territories, and post-relocation, they might either return to the initial location or adopt the same behaviors in the new area, such as targeting poultry. In some instances, bobcats have journeyed up to 30 miles to reclaim their home territory. This underscores the importance of eliminating attractants to reduce conflicts effectively.

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