How to Scare a Bobcat Away

Bobcats are usually scared of people.

Bobcats are medium-sized wild cats common throughout the United States. Although they normally avoid people, bobcats can be attracted by food, including pet food, wild bird scraps, rodents and small domestic animals. They are highly unlikely to attack people, but it is possible that a bobcat might attack pets or farm animals. An encounter with a bobcat may also frighten a child. As with many wild animals, bobcats tend to be nervous near people and are not difficult to scare away.

Instructions

1. Take pets inside.

2. Open any gates that might be trapping the bobcat.

3. Make loud noises by shouting, using a car horn or banging metal items like pans together.

4. Ensure all pets and livestock have secure enclosures and are supervised when outside.

5. Use animal deterrents, remove food sources such as pet food and put up high fences if bobcats are a persistent problem.

Tips & Warnings

• If you find bobcat kittens in the area, it is advisable to leave the mother and kittens alone until the kittens are big enough to leave.

• There is a small chance that a bobcat is carrying rabies. In the case of a bite, seek immediate medical attention and contact animal services. If you suspect a bobcat has rabies because of strange behavior, contact animal services and stay well away from the animal.

References

• Arizona Game and Wildlife Department: Living with Bobcats
• National Geographic: Bobcat