Bobcats

Living with Bobcats

Bobcats are sometimes on the American River Parkway, as in the above video that was shot by WDDNA member David Zavislan. While the presence of bobcats in a riparian area like ours is no surprise, some residents have expressed concern about having predatory animals in close proximity to a residential neighborhood.

According to Rachel Roberts, senior environmental scientist and bobcat specialist with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, humans have nothing to fear from bobcats and, in fact, can be glad that they are around to help keep the ecosystem in balance.

“Human communities attract a lot of rats, mice and other rodents,” Roberts noted. “Bobcats help keep those pests under control.”

She explained that bobcats, which usually only weigh between 20 and 25 pounds, are about twice the size of a large housecat. Their diet consists of such things as rabbits, wood rats, porcupines, raccoons, birds, amphibians and reptiles. Turkey chicks are one of their favorites. And they will even hunt rattlesnakes. They also will opportunistically hunt pet cats or chickens, so Roberts advises that such animals be kept indoors or in a secure enclosure.

Roberts was involved in a statewide study of bobcats called for by the State Legislature after passage of a bobcat trapping and hunting ban in 2020. Known as the California Statewide Bobcat Population Monitoring Project, the two-year study ended in 2022. Using the resulting data, a state bobcat management plan is expected to be completed soon.

One of the study sites that Roberts monitors is at Folsom Lake and she believes the bobcats seen along the parkway likely are permanent residents. They prefer areas with dense brush and vegetation, which the parkway provides in abundance.

“Male bobcats range pretty far,” she explained. “But females generally don’t. They stick close to their chosen territory.”

Roberts said bobcats may occasionally wander into backyards in pursuit of prey but they don’t stay. However, if the yard provides an inviting environment, a female bobcat may decide to return when she is looking for a place to have her kittens.

“As a property owner, I advise you to pay attention to what’s in your yard,” said Roberts. “Part of that is to make sure that you are not providing a comfortable place for a bobcat to have her kittens. You may think the kittens are cute, but you won’t when they come out of their den and start killing rats on your patio.”

Roberts offered the following advice to avoid that problem:
• Keep brush cleared away. Don’t allow it to provide a hiding place.
• Feed dogs and cats indoors and clean up after them.
• Clear away fruit that falls from trees that may attract rodents and don’t feed wildlife. Predators follow prey.
• Keep poultry in a secure outdoor enclosure.
• Use scare devices to temporarily frighten bobcats away.
• A medium- to large-size dog in the yard is one of the best ways to deter bobcats.

The bottom line, said Roberts, is that bobcats should not be feared. They are a valuable part of the natural environment and help keep the beautiful American River Parkway in balance.

Additional information:
• Download a “Living with Bobcats” flyer here CLICK HERE

• CDFW bobcat website page CLICK HERE

• CDFW bobcat research page CLICK HERE