How to Keep Bobcats Away from Your Property: A Comprehensive Guide

The question isn’t if a bobcat could wander onto your property, but when. These adaptable and stealthy felines are expanding their range, leading to increasing encounters with humans. Successfully deterring them requires a multi-pronged approach, combining habitat modification, scent deterrents, and strategic landscaping. This article will give you the necessary knowledge and tactics to keep these fascinating but sometimes problematic creatures at bay.

Understanding the Bobcat Threat

First, let’s clarify: bobcats are not inherently aggressive towards humans. However, like any wild animal, they can become dangerous if they feel threatened, are protecting their young, or have become habituated to human food sources. They are primarily after small prey – rabbits, rodents, birds, and occasionally, smaller livestock like chickens or unattended pets. Therefore, preventing bobcats from being attracted to your property in the first place is the key.

Practical Strategies for Bobcat Deterrence

The most effective strategies for keeping bobcats away involve minimizing their access to food and shelter, while making your property less appealing.

• Eliminate Food Sources: This is paramount. Bobcats are drawn to areas where they can easily find prey.

  • Secure Garbage: Use heavy-duty, animal-proof garbage cans with locking lids. Ensure there are no spills or overflowing bins.
  • Control Rodent Populations: A healthy rodent population acts as a bobcat magnet. Implement rodent control measures such as traps (humane options are preferred) and professional pest control services.
  • Confine Poultry and Small Livestock: Chickens, ducks, rabbits, and other small farm animals are prime bobcat targets. Enclose them in secure coops and pens, ideally with overhead netting or wire mesh to prevent access from above. Bury the perimeter fencing at least 12 inches deep to prevent digging.
  • Feed Pets Indoors: Never leave pet food outdoors. It attracts not only bobcats but also rodents and other animals that bobcats prey on.
  • Clean Up Fallen Fruit and Birdseed: These attract rodents, which, in turn, attract bobcats. Regularly remove fallen fruit from trees and use bird feeders that minimize spillage.

• Habitat Modification: Bobcats prefer areas with dense cover where they can hide and stalk prey.

  • Clear Brush and Undergrowth: Remove dense vegetation, brush piles, and overgrown areas around your property. This eliminates hiding places for bobcats and their prey.
  • Mow Your Lawn Regularly: Keep your lawn short to reduce cover for rodents and other small animals.
  • Trim Low-Hanging Branches: Bobcats can use low-hanging tree branches to access roofs and other elevated areas.

• Use Deterrents: Several deterrents can help discourage bobcats from entering your property.

  • Motion-Activated Lights and Sprinklers: These devices startle bobcats and can deter them from entering your yard, especially at night. Place them strategically in areas where bobcats are likely to travel.
  • Scent Deterrents: Bobcats have a strong sense of smell. Certain scents can repel them.
    • Ammonia-soaked rags: Place ammonia-soaked rags in areas where bobcats are frequently seen. Be sure to re-soak them regularly and keep them out of reach of pets and children.
    • Commercial Bobcat Repellents: Several commercially available bobcat repellents contain ingredients like predator urine or capsaicin. Follow the product instructions carefully.
  • Guard Animals: A well-trained dog can effectively deter bobcats. Choose a breed that is naturally protective and has a strong bark. Keep the dog safely confined within a fenced area or on a leash when outside.

• Secure Your Property: Physical barriers can provide a strong defense against bobcats.

  • Install Fencing: A tall, sturdy fence can prevent bobcats from entering your property. The fence should be at least 6 feet high and made of woven wire or chain link. Consider adding an outward-facing overhang to make it even more difficult for bobcats to climb over.
  • Electrified Fencing: In areas where bobcats are particularly persistent, electrified fencing can be an effective deterrent. Install an electrified wire at the top and bottom of your existing fence.

Understanding Bobcat Behavior

Knowing how bobcats behave is crucial for successful deterrence. They are primarily nocturnal or crepuscular (active at dawn and dusk), so that’s when they are most likely to be around. They are solitary animals, except during mating season or when females are raising their young. They are excellent climbers and jumpers, so keep that in mind when designing your defenses.

When to Seek Professional Help

If you have a persistent bobcat problem, or if you are concerned about the safety of yourself, your family, or your pets, it’s best to contact a professional wildlife removal service or your local animal control agency. They can assess the situation, provide advice, and implement humane trapping and relocation methods if necessary. Never attempt to trap or relocate a bobcat yourself, as this can be dangerous and may be illegal.

Preventing Habitation

The goal is to make your property unattractive to bobcats in the long term. This means consistently maintaining the strategies outlined above. Don’t become complacent – bobcats are opportunistic and will quickly take advantage of any weaknesses in your defenses.

Bobcat Encounters

If you encounter a bobcat, remain calm. Do not approach it. Make yourself look large by raising your arms and yelling. Slowly back away while maintaining eye contact. Bring children and pets indoors immediately.

FAQs: Your Bobcat Questions Answered

1. What attracts bobcats to my property?

Bobcats are primarily attracted to properties by available food sources, such as rodents, rabbits, birds, unsecured garbage, pet food, and vulnerable livestock. Dense vegetation and brush piles provide shelter and hiding places, further increasing the appeal.

2. Are bobcats dangerous to humans?

Generally, bobcats are not aggressive towards humans. Attacks are rare. However, they can become dangerous if they feel threatened, are protecting their young, or have become habituated to human food sources.

3. How do I identify bobcat tracks?

Bobcat tracks are roughly 2 inches in diameter, round, and feature four toes in both the front and back paws. Unlike dog or coyote tracks, bobcat tracks typically do not show claw marks because they retract their claws.

4. Will loud noises scare away bobcats?

Yes, loud noises can temporarily scare away bobcats. Motion-activated alarms, air horns, and even shouting can startle them. However, they may eventually become accustomed to these noises if they are not associated with a consistent threat.

5. Does human urine deter bobcats?

While some people claim human urine can deter bobcats, its effectiveness is inconsistent and not scientifically proven. Commercial predator urine is often more effective.

6. Can bobcats climb fences?

Yes, bobcats are excellent climbers and can easily scale fences. To prevent climbing, fences should be at least 6 feet high with an outward-facing overhang.

7. What should I do if I find a bobcat den on my property?

Do not approach the den. Contact a professional wildlife removal service or your local animal control agency for advice and assistance.

8. Are bobcats protected by law?

Bobcat protection varies by state and region. Some areas allow hunting and trapping, while others have strict regulations or protections in place. Check your local laws before taking any action.

9. Do bobcats only come out at night?

While bobcats are primarily nocturnal or crepuscular, they can also be active during the day, especially in areas with low human activity.

10. Can I trap and relocate a bobcat myself?

It is generally not recommended and may be illegal to trap and relocate a bobcat yourself. Leave this to trained professionals. Improper trapping can harm the animal or put you at risk.

11. Will having a dog keep bobcats away?

A dog can deter bobcats, but it’s not a guarantee. Some bobcats may be bold enough to challenge a dog, especially if they are desperate for food. Keep your dog safely confined and supervised when outside.

12. How do I prevent bobcats from preying on my chickens?

Secure your chickens in a sturdy coop with a roof and buried wire mesh around the perimeter. Collect eggs daily and promptly remove any dead chickens to avoid attracting predators.