Bobcats are a type of lynx, a medium-sized wild cat species. Male bobcats typically weigh between 18 to 35 pounds, while female bobcats weigh 30 pounds on average. This makes them slightly larger than an average domestic cat.
Bobcats might seem cute and fluffy, but they are wild animals. If a bobcat feels threatened, they might become defensive and attack a human. You should always keep a safe distance from bobcats.
You can find bobcats all across the United States and in a variety of different environments. They might hang out in forests, deserts, swamps, mountains, and farmlands. If you are wondering whether Florida has bobcats, the answer is yes.
If you come across a bobcat in Florida, you should do your best to put distance between you and the feline. Additionally, if you notice that bobcats keep coming onto your property, there are some ways to deter them, including removing any food sources they might be attracted to.
In this article, you will learn:
- Where bobcats live in Florida
- Whether bobcats attack humans
- What to do if you see a bobcat
- How to prevent bobcats from coming onto your property
Are There Bobcats in Florida?
Bobcats are larger, feral cats that hunt their prey quietly. You can find them in the wilderness and suburban areas if they need to branch out to find food. The easiest way to differentiate a bobcat from a house cat is to look for its bobbed tail, which is usually between 2 to 8 inches long.
Bobcats can be found in almost any state in America, including Florida. You can find Florida bobcats in the following types of environments:
- Deep forests
- Swamps
- Grasslands and wetlands
- Flatwoods
- Urban and agricultural areas
- Beaches
If there are bobcats in residential areas, it is usually because they are looking for food. They might also be looking for shelter during breeding season, as they could be more vulnerable while carrying young. The gestation period for bobcats is between 50 to 60 days, which means they will need a safe space to hide until they deliver their bobcat kittens.
Do Bobcats Attack Humans?
While bobcats are not inherently aggressive, they might attack a human when they feel threatened. If you come across a bobcat that has kittens with them, you are more likely to experience a confrontation. Additionally, bobcats might attempt to protect their food from predators, which could cause them to attack a human.
That said, most attacks on humans are linked to rabies. Because bobcats can carry rabies, you should never get too close to one. Sometimes, rabies causes strange behavior, which might make a bobcat seem friendly at first.
Even though bobcat attacks on humans are not common, it is still a risk to consider. Even further, bobcats are known to attack livestock or household pets. If you notice bobcats on your property, you should contact animal control services to receive assistance in removing them from the area.
What to Do If You See a Bobcat
While bobcats do not attack humans often, you should still be cautious when there is one near you. Thankfully, there are a few tips and tricks to consider that will make a bobcat less likely to approach or attack you.
When you see a bobcat, you should:
- Back Away – Slowly back away from the bobcat while talking in a firm voice. Sudden movements might make them feel threatened, so do not run.
- Make Noise – Yell, clap, or blow a whistle. Making loud noises will make the bobcat realize you are a larger predator than they are.
- Appear Larger – Try to appear larger by spreading your arms out wide or wearing a coat. You should also pick up any small children or pets.
- Use Water – You can try spraying the bobcat with a spray bottle or hose.
Bobcats can climb trees and they might hide in hollow logs. As a result, you should never run away from a bobcat when you come in contact with one. Slowly backing away and making loud noises in a deep voice is the best way to prevent an attack.
How to Prevent Bobcats From Coming Onto Your Property
Bobcats are attracted to human property for two main reasons: shelter and food. If a bobcat is desperate for food and notices that you have livestock, or outdoor pets, or leave pet food bowls outside, they will come into your yard to eat.
The best ways to prevent bobcats from coming onto your property include:
- Keeping livestock in a secured barn when they are not supervised
- Keeping your household pets inside
- Refraining from leaving pet food bowls outside
- Clear any excess vegetation
- Remove any hiding spots they could be drawn to
- Make loud noises and throw rocks when they appear
- Call a professional wildlife removal company
While bobcats can be cool to look at, they can do significant damage to your property and injure or kill your animals. If these tips do not help solve your bobcat problem, it might be time to call animal control or another type of wildlife removal service.
Get Connected to a Professional Wildlife Control Service
If you are dealing with wildlife issues on your property, Nuisance Wildlife Rangers are here to help. From insect infestations to rodents and raccoons, we can help you remove any type of animal from your property.
Contact us today to learn more about our wildlife control service.
