Bobcats are found in more states across the U.S. than any other type of wild cat. In fact, they inhabit every state in the Lower 48 except for Delaware. With an estimated population of around two-and-a-half million animals covering those 47 states, bobcats are the most common feral feline species in the United States.
Given that they are found in such a wide swath of the continent, it should be no surprise bobcats live in a variety of habitats. So, whether you are going on a mountain adventure, hiking through the woods, or adventuring in the desert, you will likely be sharing space with a bobcat. However, that does not mean you are likely to see one. Like their much larger cousin the mountain lion, bobcats are masters of staying out of sight even when they are nearby. Additionally, because of their smaller size, averaging between 12 and 25 pounds, it is much easier for bobcats to conceal themselves.
Beyond the fact bobcats are naturally elusive, they also tend to be scared of people and are not typically aggressive towards humans. But, they can become hostile under certain circumstances and are certainly capable of inflicting harm. Most often, when bobcats do display aggression towards people, it is because they feel threatened. Most attacks on humans are typically a result of rabid bobcats. Those attacks, although rare, do happen. So, it is a good idea to know what to do if you encounter a bobcat while hiking — plus you’ll find that these tips follow a similar protocol to coming across a mountain lion.