Bobcats

Due to their solitary, elusive nature, it is rare to spot a Bobcat, even in Yellowstone National Park.

  • Bobcats are elusive and most active at night so sightings of this unique animal are rare.
  • Recent sighting of bobcats are noted to have taken place in the northern portions of Yellowstone National Park.
  • Even individuals, who study bobcats, seldom have an opportunity to see one in the wild.

Overview
The Bobcat is named for it characteristic bobtail. Bobcats that inhabit Yellowstone have a gray to brown coat, whiskered face, and black-tufted ears. Though rarely seen in Yellowstone National Park, they are known to inhabit the area.

Interesting Facts
The Bobcat is an adaptable predator that inhabits wooded areas, as well as semi-desert, urban edge, forest edges and swampland environments.

The Bobcat prefers rabbits and hares, but will hunt anything from insects and small rodents to deer. Prey selection depends on location and habitat, season, and abundance.

Similar to other cats, the bobcat is territorial and largely solitary, although there is some overlap in home ranges. It uses several methods to mark its territorial boundaries, including claw marks and deposits of urine or feces.

Bobcats are elusive predators that are featured as a part of Native American mythology and the folklore of European settlers.

Best Places to View Bobcats
Bobcats are rarely seen in Yellowstone and no research has been conducted in the Park to determine the numbers or distribution of this elusive animal that is nocturnal and widely scattered over its range.

Although adapted to a variety of habitats across the country, they do not tolerate the deep snows found in much of Yellowstone, and thus they are usually reported in the northern portion of the park.

Respecting Wildlife
If you happen to sight a bobcat while you are visiting Yellowstone National Park, you will have experienced a rare occurrence. Bobcats are very elusive.

These cats are most active at night, so even those who study them seldom have an opportunity to see one. If you are so fortunate, look for the black bars on the inside of the forelegs. If you see tracks, measure and photograph them carefully, then consult a track field guide. Bobcat tracks seldom exceed 2 1/4 inches in length.

If you see a bobcat or bobcat tracks, please report them promptly to a ranger or visitor center. For animals so seldom recorded, every observation is useful and important.

If you do see a bobcat, treat it with the same respect as you would any other wildlife.

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