Have you discovered holes in your yard and wondered what’s caused them? Has your pet rabbit suddenly gone missing from the garden? Have your children ever been woken in the night, frightened by the sound of screaming outside?

If you have experienced any of the above, you could be having a problem with bobcats.

To be fair to the bobcat, despite their numbers, they are not a big problem in Florida and certainly don’t pose a major threat to humans. They can even be beneficial in certain instances. But if one (or more) has decided to take up residence around your home, you will probably prefer to evict it. Let’s consider six common questions about bobcats:

What does a Bobcat look like?

As its name suggests, the bobcat has similarities to the domestic cat, but don’t imagine it would be happy to curl up on your lap and go to sleep. About twice the size of your pet kitty, it has long legs and large paws, with retractable claws. Its bobbed tail can be anything from 1 inch to 7 inches long, and is responsible for its common name. The male weighs in at anything between 20 to 30 pounds and the female 15 to 25 pounds.

As they prefer to avoid people and, typically, are nocturnal creatures, you may have never seen a bobcat. However, they are adapting quite well to co-existing with humans. And because they only sleep for 2 to 3 hours at a time, you may be lucky enough to catch a sighting of this beautiful creature during the day.

Having good vision and hearing along with a good sense of smell, this extremely efficient mover is skillful at keeping itself out of sight. They are good swimmers and climbers.

A bobcat can be recognized by its distinctive triangular shaped pointed ears with black and white markings on the back. It has yellowish to tan colored fur, with streaks of black or dark brown. The belly is white with black spots, while the insides of its legs have black bar markings. Their faces are wide looking, with patches of long fur on the side of their heads that look like sideburns. They have yellow eyes, a light red colored nose and like all carnivores, sharp teeth.

Their coloring provides good camouflage when hiding in thick growth. Even in suburban areas, the bobcat can blend into the surroundings.

Where are Bobcats found in Florida?

Bobcats can be found throughout Florida and make their home in a variety of habitats, from hammock land, to deep forest and swamps. Even in your backyard!

Caves, rock outcrops, hollow logs, holes in the ground and hollows in trees, all make suitable dens.

A female’s territory can cover 5 or 6 square miles and is exclusive to the one female. The male’s territory can be up to 30 square miles and may overlap those of females and even other males. Territory boundaries are marked with urine or feces. Males and females only come together for mating.

What’s a typical Bobcat lifespan?

On average, bobcats live around four years in the wild. Records show the longest-lived bobcat in the wild was 16 years old. In captivity, the record is 32 years old.

A female reaches breeding age at 1 year, while a male reaches sexual maturity at 24 months. Breeding months are August to March, peaking in February and March followed by a gestation period 50 to 60 days. A litter normally consist of one to four kittens. In southern Florida, two litters a year have been reported.

Bobcat kittens are weaned at between 3 to 4 months, taught to hunt at 5 months and abandoned to fend for themselves at 8 to 11 months old.

What does a Bobcat eat?

Bobcats are adept hunters and can take down prey bigger than themselves. But why tackle something that can fight back? In Florida, a bobcat’s diet primarily consists of local fauna, which includes rats, rabbits, raccoons, opossums and squirrels. Feral cats and domestic chickens can also be on the menu.

In the winter, migrating birds offer a smorgasbord of robins, catbirds, towhees and other ground-dwelling birds.

It is the bobcat’s taste for what can be household or yard pests that is in its favour, keeping the numbers of rodents and wild rabbits under control.

When are they a problem?

If bobcats are so good at controlling rodent pests, why wouldn’t you want them in or around
your property?:

• They can dig holes in your yard or around your home or business
• They scream at night and can frighten children
• They have been known to attack small domestic pets (although bobcats often get the blame for pets that have been runover or simply run away)
• If rabid, can pose a threat to human health
• Bobcats can attack livestock (statistics show they kill less sheep a year in the US than dogs)

How can you deter Bobcats?

Understandably, bobcats simply want food, water and shelter. So don’t make it easy for them to
find these on your property. You can do this by:

• Storing securely all possible food sources, including pet food and food waste
• Not leaving pet water outside at night, or during the day if your pets are indoors
• Keeping small pets, including chickens and fowl, in safe enclosures, particularly at night,
• By removing wildlife feeders, (even if bobcats don’t eat from them directly, they could attract the bobcats
  prey species)
• Making your trash can secure
• Cleaning up overgrown areas and woodpiles in your yard
• Clearing excess vegetation to remove hiding areas

Preventing Bobcat Encounters

Install High, Smooth Fences

A tall, smooth fence can be an effective deterrent. Bobcats are excellent climbers and can easily scale low fences, so ensure your fence is at least 6 feet tall and doesn’t have footholds that could assist them in climbing.

Remove Dense Vegetation and Overgrowth

Bobcats seek shelter in dense vegetation or overgrown areas. Regularly trim bushes, tall grasses, and weeds in your yard to eliminate potential hiding spots. Keeping your landscape neat can discourage bobcats from making your yard their home.

Secure Pet Food and Bird Seed

Never leave pet food, bird seed, or compost outdoors, especially overnight. These food sources can attract not only bobcats but also their prey, which in turn draws bobcats closer to your property.

Install Motion-Sensing Lights

Motion-activated lights can startle bobcats and other wildlife, making them feel unsafe. Installing these lights around the perimeter of your property can discourage bobcats from entering your yard.

Use Noise-Making Devices

Bobcats are wary of loud noises. Consider placing noise-making devices, such as wind chimes or motion-activated alarms, in areas where bobcats are likely to roam. This can help create an environment they find uncomfortable and avoid.

Secure Livestock and Small Pets

If you have chickens, rabbits, or small pets, ensure that they are housed in secure enclosures. Fencing for small animals should be covered with a roof to prevent bobcats from gaining access from above. At night, bring smaller pets inside to keep them safe.

Remove Attractants

Bobcats are opportunistic feeders, so keeping your trash secure and removing any food scraps will reduce the likelihood of attracting them to your yard. Use trash cans with tight-fitting lids, and avoid leaving pet waste outside.

By taking these preventive measures, you can reduce the chances of a bobcat encounter and keep your property safer for your family, pets, and livestock.

How Wildout Animal and Pest Control Can Help You?

We are a professional wildlife removal company in Central Florida specializing in humane and effective bobcat removal. Our team understands bobcat behavior and uses safe, legal methods to relocate them away from residential areas. We also provide property inspections, exclusion solutions, and expert advice to prevent future wildlife issues. If you are dealing with a bobcat problem, Wildout Animal and Pest Control is here to help.

Conclusion

Bobcats are fascinating creatures that play an essential role in Florida’s ecosystem by controlling rodent populations. While they usually avoid humans, their presence near homes can sometimes lead to conflicts. By taking preventive measures, such as securing food sources, keeping small pets protected, and removing potential shelters, you can reduce the chances of attracting bobcats to your property. If a bobcat becomes a persistent problem, seeking professional wildlife removal services is the best solution.

Additional FAQs

Are bobcats dangerous to humans?

Bobcats are generally shy and avoid human interaction. However, if they feel cornered or are rabid, they can become aggressive.

Can bobcats climb fences?

Yes, bobcats are excellent climbers and can easily scale fences, especially if they are not high enough or have nearby structures to assist them.

Do bobcats attack pets?

Bobcats may prey on small pets like rabbits, chickens, and even small cats or dogs if they are left unprotected outdoors.

How can I tell if a bobcat is on my property?

Signs of a bobcat include tracks, scat, claw marks on trees, missing small pets, and their distinct screaming sounds at night.

What should I do if I see a bobcat in my yard?

If you spot a bobcat, avoid approaching it. Make loud noises, secure food sources, and ensure pets are safe. If it continues to return, contact a professional wildlife removal service.