Bobcat Hotspots: U.S. States Where They’re Thriving in the Wild

Bobcats are adaptable creatures that thrive in various environments, from forests to deserts. They roam in 47 states across the U.S., with an estimated population ranging from 2.3 to 3.6 million!¹ 

The population data is based on a large-scale analysis from the Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management¹ and other sources. They’re seen in every contiguous state except Delaware. Alaska and Hawaii aren’t listed on the count.

So, which states can you find these fascinating animals and where you might possibly encounter them? 

1. Alabama

• Population estimate: 68,625
• Status: Increasing
• Where to find them:
  • Bobcats in Alabama are most commonly found in forested areas, swamps, and dense brush.
  • Populations thrive in the Black Belt region and are often spotted near the Appalachian foothills.
  • They are also present in national forests like Talladega and Bankhead.

2. Arizona

• Population estimate: 62,395–65,909
• Status: Increasing
• Where to find them:
  • Bobcats in Arizona are abundant in desert scrub, mountainous regions, and rocky areas.
  • Commonly found in the Sonoran Desert, around the Mogollon Rim, and the mountains north of Tucson.
  • They can also be found near urban areas such as Phoenix and Scottsdale.

3. Arkansas

• Population estimate: 14,049
• Status: Unknown
• Where to find them:
  • Bobcats in Arkansas are primarily located in the Ozark and Ouachita mountain regions.
  • They are also seen in forested areas and river valleys across the state.
  • The dense woodlands and remote areas of Arkansas provide suitable habitats.

4. California

• Population estimate: 69,429–72,735
• Status: Stable
• Where to find them:
  • Bobcats in California can be found in a variety of habitats, including chaparral, coastal sage scrub, and oak woodlands.
  • They are common in the Sierra Nevada range, as well as in Southern California near the Santa Monica Mountains.
  • Urban fringe areas such as the hills surrounding Los Angeles and San Diego also host bobcats.

5. Colorado

• Population estimate: 12,000 (ref)
• Status: Not reported by jurisdiction
• Where to find them:
  • In Colorado, bobcats inhabit a range of environments, from lowland deserts to alpine forests.
  • They are frequently found in the Rocky Mountains and the Front Range, particularly near Pikes Peak and the San Juan Mountains.
  • They also thrive in the mesas and canyons in the western part of the state.

6. Connecticut

• Population estimate: 1,500 (ref)
• Status: Increasing
• Where to find them:
  • Bobcats in Connecticut are most often spotted in the rural woodlands and hilly areas.
  • They are also found in forested suburbs and less developed areas in Litchfield County.
  • Bobcats thrive in the mixed forests and agricultural areas of the northwestern part of the state.

7. Florida

• Population estimate: 303,338
• Status: Decreasing
• Where to find them:
  • Bobcats in Florida are commonly found in forests, swamps, and wetlands.
  • They inhabit the dense forests of northern Florida, as well as the Everglades and the Florida Keys.
  • Coastal mangroves and suburban areas near the Gulf Coast are also common bobcat habitats.

8. Georgia

• Population estimate: 209,870–249,845
• Status: Increasing
• Where to find them:
  • Bobcats in Georgia are widespread, thriving in forests, farmlands, and swamps.
  • The Appalachian foothills and dense woodlands in northern Georgia provide prime habitat for bobcats.
  • They are also found in coastal regions, particularly in the Okefenokee Swamp and marshlands near Savannah.
  • Populations are expanding into suburban and rural areas across the state.

9. Idaho

• Population estimate: 1,705–13,640
• Status: Increasing
• Where to find them:
  • Bobcats in Idaho are found in the rugged mountainous regions and dense forests.
  • They inhabit areas near the Snake River Plain and can be spotted in the Sawtooth and Bitterroot Mountains.
  • Bobcats thrive in the state’s national forests, including Boise and Salmon-Challis National Forests.

10. Illinois

• Population estimate: 2,252
• Status: Increasing
• Where to find them:
  • Bobcats in Illinois are primarily found in the southern part of the state, including Shawnee National Forest.
  • They are also located in the forests and agricultural areas of western and north-central Illinois.
  • Recent increases in sightings have been reported in suburban areas near Springfield and Peoria.
  • Illinois’ conservation efforts have supported the growth of the bobcat population, particularly in forest preserves.

11. Indiana

• Population estimate: Not reported by jurisdiction
• Status: Increasing
• Where to find them:
  • Bobcats are found throughout Indiana, with a higher concentration in the southern and central regions.
  • A study by the Indiana DNR showed that bobcats are especially prevalent in south-central Indiana, particularly in Brown County State Park and the Hoosier National Forest. (ref)
  • They are capable of dispersing up to 100 miles from where they were born, allowing them to expand into new territories, including rural and semi-urban environments.

12. Iowa

• Population estimate: 1,155–2,331
• Status: Increasing
• Where to find them:
  • Bobcats in Iowa are most common in the southern and southwestern regions of the state.
  • They are found in forests, grasslands, and near river valleys such as the Des Moines and Mississippi Rivers.
  • Bobcats have also been sighted near the Loess Hills and other areas with dense cover and prey availability.

13. Kansas

• Population estimate: 29,666–31,785
• Status: Increasing
• Where to find them:
  • Bobcats in Kansas are mainly found in wooded areas and prairies across the state.
  • They thrive in the Flint Hills, with its tallgrass prairies, and near the Smoky Hills region.
  • Bobcats are also present in riparian zones, particularly along rivers such as the Arkansas River and Republican River.

14. Kentucky

• Population estimate: 14,000
• Status: Increasing
• Where to find them:
  • Bobcats in Kentucky are common in forested areas and hilly regions, especially in the Appalachian Mountains.
  • They are often found in Daniel Boone National Forest and the hilly Cumberland Plateau region.
  • They also inhabit rural areas in the western part of the state, including the Jackson Purchase region.

15. Louisiana

• Population estimate: 166,431
• Status: Increasing
• Where to find them:
  • Bobcats in Louisiana are abundant in the state’s forests, wetlands, and swampy areas.
  • They are commonly found in the Atchafalaya Basin, the Kisatchie National Forest, and along the Gulf Coast.
  • They thrive in areas with dense vegetation, including the marshlands and bayous of southern Louisiana.
  • Bobcats are also present in the pine forests of northern Louisiana, especially near the border with Mississippi.

16. Maine

• Population estimate: 2,553 (in 1986) (ref) – recent sightings unknown
• Status: Stable
• Where to find them:
  • Bobcats in Maine are mostly found in the central and southern parts of the state, avoiding the colder, northern regions.
  • They thrive in mixed forests, mountainous areas, and around the edges of farmlands.
  • Common areas include the forests near the Kennebec River and the hilly terrain in the western part of the state.
  • While the population is stable, Maine’s colder winters tend to limit bobcat expansion further north.

17. Maryland

• Population estimate: Bobcats are considered uncommon (ref)
• Status: Increasing
• Where to find them:
  • Bobcats in Maryland are primarily found in the western part of the state, particularly in Garrett and Allegany counties.
  • They are common in the Appalachian Mountain region, where dense forests and rugged terrain provide ideal habitat.
  • Smaller populations exist in the central and northern parts of the state, especially near Catoctin Mountain Park.

18. Massachusetts

• Population estimate: 3,500 (ref)
• Status: Unknown
• Where to find them:
  • Bobcats in Massachusetts are typically found in rural and semi-rural forested areas, particularly in the western part of the state.
  • They inhabit the Berkshires, as well as state parks and reserves in central Massachusetts, like Quabbin Reservoir.
  • Bobcats have also been spotted in suburban areas near Worcester and Springfield, where there is nearby forest cover.

19. Michigan

• Population estimate: Unknown
• Status: Increasing
• Where to find them:
  • Bobcats in Michigan are found in both the Upper and Lower Peninsulas, thriving in forests, swamps, and scrublands.
  • They are common in the northern Lower Peninsula, particularly in the Huron-Manistee National Forest and the dense forests near Traverse City.
  • In the Upper Peninsula, bobcats are prevalent in remote areas such as the Porcupine Mountains and the Ottawa National Forest.
  • Despite increasing sightings, the Michigan DNR does not have an accurate population estimate. This has raised concerns, especially regarding hunting policies, as mentioned by Molly Tamulevich, the state director for the Humane Society of the United States. (ref)

20. Minnesota

• Population estimate: 2,857
• Status: Increasing
• Where to find them:
  • Bobcats in Minnesota are most common in the northern forests, particularly near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and the Superior National Forest.
  • They are also found in the northeastern part of the state, near Duluth and along the North Shore of Lake Superior.
  • In central Minnesota, bobcats inhabit the mixed forests and woodlands, especially near the Mississippi River.

21. Mississippi

• Population estimate: 52,436
• Status: Increasing
• Where to find them:
  • Bobcats in Mississippi thrive in the state’s dense forests, swamps, and wetlands, particularly in the Mississippi Delta region.
  • They are found in large numbers in the hardwood forests of central Mississippi and the piney woods of southern Mississippi.
  • The Pascagoula River Basin and De Soto National Forest are also prime habitats for bobcats.

22. Missouri

• Population estimate: 18,000–20,000
• Status: Increasing
• Where to find them:
  • Bobcats in Missouri are widespread, found in forests, farmlands, and brushy areas throughout the state.
  • They are particularly common in the Ozark Mountains and Mark Twain National Forest in southern Missouri.
  • Bobcats also inhabit the wooded river valleys along the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers.

23. Montana

• Population estimate: 7,641
• Status: Increasing
• Where to find them:
  • Bobcats in Montana are found in the rugged mountain ranges, forests, and grasslands across the state.
  • They are most common in the Rocky Mountains, particularly in areas like Glacier National Park and the Bitterroot Mountains.
  • Bobcats also inhabit the forests of western Montana, including the Flathead National Forest and Gallatin National Forest.

24. Nebraska

• Population estimate: Unknown
• Status: Increasing
• Where to find them:
  • Bobcats in Nebraska are most commonly found in the forested areas along river valleys, particularly near the Missouri, Platte, and Niobrara Rivers.
  • They inhabit the Sandhills region, as well as the wooded areas in eastern Nebraska.
  • Bobcats are expanding into the prairies and grasslands in the western part of the state.

25. Nevada

• Population estimate: 27,000 in 2015 (ref)
• Status: Stable/Increasing
• Where to find them:
  • Bobcats in Nevada are primarily found in the Great Basin and along the Sierra Nevada mountain range.
  • They inhabit the deserts and scrublands of central and southern Nevada, including areas near Las Vegas.
  • Bobcats are also found in the forested regions of northern Nevada, near Lake Tahoe and the Ruby Mountains.

26. New Hampshire

• Population estimate: 1,400 (ref)
• Status: Increasing
• Where to find them:
  • Bobcats in New Hampshire are commonly found in the southern and central parts of the state, where forests and agricultural areas provide suitable habitat.
  • They thrive in the White Mountain National Forest and the Connecticut River Valley, which offer abundant prey and forest cover.
  • Bobcats are also found in the southwestern part of the state, near the Monadnock Region, and are gradually expanding into northern areas.

27. New Jersey

• Population estimate: 106
• Status: Increasing
• Where to find them:
  • Bobcats in New Jersey are mainly found in the northwestern part of the state, particularly in the mountainous areas of Sussex, Warren, and Morris counties.
  • The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and the Kittatinny Ridge are prime habitats for bobcats.
  • They are also found in forested areas of the Highlands Region, where conservation efforts have helped their population recover.
  • Although still rare, the population is increasing as bobcats adapt to fragmented forest landscapes and benefit from wildlife management programs.

28. New Mexico

• Population estimate: 36,249–54,373
• Status: Stable
• Where to find them:
  • Bobcats in New Mexico are widespread, found in desert areas, mountains, and forests across the state.
  • They are common in the high desert and grasslands of central and southern New Mexico, particularly near the Chihuahuan Desert and Gila National Forest.
  • Bobcats thrive in the forests of northern New Mexico, including areas near the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and Carson National Forest.

29. New York

• Population estimate: 5,078
• Status: Increasing
• Where to find them:
  • Bobcats in New York are primarily found in the forested regions of the Adirondacks, Catskills, and Hudson Valley.
  • They thrive in the mixed hardwood and coniferous forests of the Adirondack Park and the rugged terrain of the Catskill Mountains.
  • Bobcats are also found in the southern tier and western parts of the state, including areas along the Allegheny River.

30. North Carolina

• Population estimate: 90,115
• Status: Increasing
• Where to find them:
  • Bobcats in North Carolina are found in a variety of habitats, including forests, swamps, and mountainous areas across the state.
  • They are particularly common in the western part of the state, including the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Blue Ridge Mountains.
  • In the coastal plain, bobcats thrive in swampy areas such as the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge.
  • Populations are also expanding in the Piedmont region, where a mixture of forests, farmlands, and urban edges provide suitable habitats.

31. North Dakota

• Population estimate: Unknown
• Status: Unknown
• Where to find them:
  • Bobcats in North Dakota are primarily found in the western part of the state, particularly near the Badlands and along the Little Missouri River.
  • They are also present in the forested areas of the Turtle Mountains and the Pembina Gorge in the north-central region.
  • Bobcats inhabit areas with dense vegetation, such as riparian zones and forests near the Missouri River.

32. Ohio

• Population estimate: 4,159 (ref)
• Status: Increasing
• Where to find them:
  • Bobcats in Ohio are primarily found in the southeastern portion of the state, where forested areas and rolling hills provide ideal habitats.
  • They are common in areas like the Wayne National Forest and near the Appalachian Plateau, where dense woodlands and brush offer good cover.
  • Bobcats are also expanding into central Ohio and can be found in rural areas along rivers and creeks.

33. Oklahoma

• Population estimate: Unknown (About 6,000 harvested annually) (ref)
• Status: Increasing
• Where to find them:
  • Bobcats in Oklahoma are widely distributed across the state, from the dense forests of eastern Oklahoma to the open prairies of the west.
  • They are especially common in the Crosstimbers region and the wooded areas along rivers and streams in the northeastern and southeastern parts of the state.
  • In western Oklahoma, bobcats can be found in areas with abundant prey, including farmlands and scrubby terrain near the panhandle.

34. Oregon

• Population estimate: Unknown (Approximately 2,000 harvested annually) (ref)
• Status: Unknown
• Where to find them:
  • Bobcats in Oregon are found statewide, from the coastal rainforests to the high desert regions in the eastern part of the state.
  • They are particularly abundant in the Cascade Mountains and the western forests, including the Klamath and Siskiyou ranges.
  • Bobcats also thrive in the sagebrush and juniper habitats of eastern Oregon, including areas near the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge.

35. Pennsylvania

• Population estimate: 18,766
• Status: Increasing
• Where to find them:
  • Bobcats in Pennsylvania are most commonly found in the northern tier of the state, particularly in the Allegheny National Forest and the Pocono Mountains.
  • They thrive in the heavily forested areas of central and northeastern Pennsylvania, where mixed hardwoods and rocky terrain provide excellent cover.
  • Bobcats are also expanding into western Pennsylvania, particularly near the Laurel Highlands, where prey such as rabbits and rodents are plentiful.

36. Rhode Island

• Population estimate: 80-85 (ref)
• Status: Unknown
• Where to find them:
  • Bobcats in Rhode Island are very rare, with small populations mostly in the western and northern parts of the state.
  • They are occasionally spotted in forested areas of Providence, Washington, and Kent counties, particularly near large tracts of forestland.
  • These elusive cats prefer areas with dense undergrowth and low human activity, making sightings uncommon.
  • Despite their rarity, the population appears to be holding steady, though little is known about specific population trends.

37. South Carolina

• Population estimate: 40,552–94,622
• Status: Stable
• Where to find them:
  • Bobcats in South Carolina are widespread, found across the state in various habitats from coastal marshes to pine forests and upland hardwood forests.
  • They are especially common in the Francis Marion National Forest and the coastal plains, where swamps and thickets provide cover.
  • Bobcats are also found in the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Piedmont region, where they prey on small mammals and birds.

38. South Dakota

• Population estimate: 1,322 (ref)
• Status: Decreasing
• Where to find them:
  • Bobcats in South Dakota are primarily found in the western part of the state, including the Black Hills region, where forested and rocky areas offer ideal habitats.
  • They are also present in the Missouri River Valley and the grasslands of the eastern plains, though less commonly.
  • Bobcats tend to prefer areas with dense cover, such as riparian zones and rugged terrain where they can stalk prey like rabbits and birds.

39. Tennessee

• Population estimate: Unknown
• Status: Stable
• Where to find them:
  • Bobcats in Tennessee are found throughout the state, particularly in areas with dense forests, overgrown fields, and rural landscapes.
  • They are commonly seen in the woodlands of Middle and East Tennessee, including the Cumberland Plateau and along the Tennessee River.
  • However, according to wildlife biologist Joe Yarkovich, there is no established population of bobcats in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP). (ref) The dense, high-elevation forests of the Smokies may not be ideal for bobcats.

40. Texas

• Population estimate: 287,444–1,357,928
• Status: Stable
• Where to find them:
  • Texas is home to one of the largest bobcat populations in the country, with these cats thriving in a variety of habitats across the state.
  • They are commonly found in the brushy plains and scrublands of South Texas, the dense woodlands of East Texas, and the grasslands of the Panhandle.
  • Bobcats are also widespread in the Hill Country, Big Bend region, and along river bottoms throughout the state.

41. Utah

• Population estimate: Unknown
• Status: Stable
• Where to find them:
  • Bobcats in Utah are primarily found in mountainous and forested areas, especially in the Wasatch and Uinta mountain ranges.
  • They thrive in Utah’s rugged terrain, including the canyonlands and high desert regions of the southern and eastern parts of the state.
  • Bobcats also inhabit areas along river corridors and in the foothills of the Rockies, where they prey on small mammals, birds, and reptiles.
  • The stable bobcat population in Utah benefits from large expanses of public lands and low human density in many parts of the state, allowing them to roam freely.

42. Vermont

• Population estimate: 2,100–3,500
• Status: Increasing
• Where to find them:
  • Bobcats in Vermont are mainly found in the heavily forested areas of the state, particularly in the Green Mountains and the Northeastern Kingdom.
  • They are also seen in the Champlain Valley and in lower-elevation areas with a mix of forest and farmland, where there are plenty of small prey animals such as rabbits and rodents.
  • Bobcats prefer areas with thick underbrush, rocky outcrops, and swamps for cover, making Vermont’s diverse landscape an ideal habitat for them.
  • The population has been increasing thanks to successful wildlife management and conservation efforts, as well as plentiful food sources in rural and forested areas.

43. Virginia

• Population estimate: Unknown
• Status: Stable
• Where to find them:
  • Virginia has a healthy population of bobcats, particularly in the forested regions of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah Valley, and the Appalachian Highlands.
  • Albemarle County, in central Virginia, is home to a robust population, where bobcats have been actively studied by graduate students. They managed to catch and track 16 bobcats in this region. (ref)
  • Bobcats also roam throughout the Piedmont and southwestern parts of the state, where woodlands, farmland, and rural landscapes provide plenty of cover and prey.

44. Washington

• Population estimate: Unknown
• Status: Stable
• Where to find them:
  • Bobcats in Washington are widespread across the state, primarily inhabiting forested areas, mountainous regions, and areas with thick underbrush.
  • They are frequently found in the Cascade Mountains and the Olympic Peninsula, which offer dense forests, rugged terrain, and an abundance of prey.
  • In the eastern part of the state, bobcats roam in the high desert and shrub-steppe habitats of the Columbia Basin and Okanogan Highlands.
  • Washington’s large tracts of public lands and national forests, including Olympic National Park, provide excellent environments for stable bobcat populations.

45. West Virginia

• Population estimate: 8,743
• Status: Increasing
• Where to find them:
  • Bobcats are common throughout West Virginia, particularly in the Appalachian Mountains and forested areas across the state.
  • They thrive in the Monongahela National Forest and the rugged Allegheny Mountains, where there are plenty of dense forests and rocky outcrops that provide ideal habitats.
  • Bobcats can also be found in the eastern panhandle, along river valleys, and in hilly regions with wooded cover and abundant prey.

46. Wisconsin

• Population estimate: 2,850
• Status: Increasing
• Where to find them:
  • In Wisconsin, bobcats are primarily found in the northern and central parts of the state, especially in forested regions and areas with a mix of woodlands and wetlands.
  • The Northwoods, which includes areas like the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest and the Apostle Islands region, is a hotspot for bobcats.
  • They also inhabit the hilly and forested areas of the Driftless Region in southwestern Wisconsin.
  • Bobcats can be found in rural farmlands with forest edges and dense underbrush, where they hunt for small mammals like rabbits, squirrels, and birds.

47. Wyoming

• Population estimate: 2,481–13,783
• Status: Increasing
• Where to find them:
  • Bobcats are widely distributed across Wyoming, thriving in various habitats, including forests, grasslands, and mountainous regions.
  • They are commonly found in the western part of the state, particularly in the Bridger-Teton National Forest, where dense forests provide cover and abundant prey.
  • In the eastern part of the state, bobcats can also inhabit areas of sagebrush, prairie, and riparian zones, where they can find food and shelter.

Whether you’re exploring national parks or hiking in rural areas, you might just spot one of these elusive creatures in your state!

Source:

1. Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management

Nancy Maffia

Author & Editor | + posts

Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.

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