How to Repel a Bobcat

The bobcat almost always avoids people.

Bobcats are the most common and widely distributed wild feline in the lower 48 states; the animals adapt well to human presence as long as they have sanctuary. Like most carnivores, bobcats are exceedingly shy, reclusive and rarely seen. Bobcats do not usually threaten people, though they may occasionally snatch a chicken or turkey from a farmer's barnyard. In the latter case, repelling them in some fashion may be necessary.

Things You'll Need

• Lighting
• Animal enclosures
• Guard dog

Instructions

1. 

   If seen at all, bobcats are more likely to be spotted at twilight or night.

   Light your yard. Bobcats are most active in deep night, just prior to sunrise and during evening twilight. Installing motion-sensor lights might keeping a wandering cat from your chicken coop or other livestock quarters.

2. 

   The presence of a large dog is likely to discourage visitations by bobcats.

   Guarding your barnyard with a dog is one of the oldest and most effective methods to prevent depredations on livestock and pets by carnivores. Bobcats -- which face competition and potential predation from wild canines like coyotes and wolves -- are unlikely to tangle with a large dog. A small breed may be viewed as prey by the wild cat.

3. 

   Bobcats may prey on their domesticated relatives, so keep your house cats indoors as much as possible.

   Shelter your animals. Bringing fowl in for the night is an obvious way to reduce their exposure to wild hunters. A well-built coop will ward off most bobcats. A fence around small livestock or birds should be well over 6-feet high. Keeping your housecats inside is also a good idea; bobcats will actively target their smaller, domestic cousins if the opportunity arises.

4. Shout at a bobcat if you encounter one in the yard or the woods. A wild, healthy bobcat will get away from you as quickly as possible. Waving your arms and making noise will help it quickly identify you as a human being. Any bobcat that does not flee -- and acts aggressively or abnormally -- should be avoided; it may be rabid or otherwise diseased. Call your local wildlife department immediately to report such an animal.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't feed bobcats, even if you enjoy viewing them on your property.

References

• Arizona Game & Fish Dept.: Living with Bobcats
• "Bobcats"; D. Virchow, D. Hogeland; 1994

Resources

• Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission: Bobcat
• USDA: Livestock Guarding Dogs