Colorado, New Mexico, Washington, South Dakota, North Dakota, Nebraska, Oklahoma

Bobcats are as elusive as they are fascinating, and it’s sometimes hard to know whether you can see them. Although they live everywhere except Delaware, here are 20 states where you’ll likely find them roaming freely.

Texas

Due to its expansive ranchlands and forests, Texas is a haven for bobcats, and an estimated 100,000 of them have made their home here. Bobcats can be seen anywhere within the state, even on the open plains, but it’s more common to find them in wooded, broken areas where they can hide and forage.

Colorado

In Colorado, bobcats roam the Rocky Mountains and surrounding areas. Known for their ability to thrive in rugged terrain, hikers and campers often see these cats. The state’s national parks offer prime locations for spotting the estimated 12,000 bobcats in their natural environment.

New Mexico

New Mexico’s deserts and forests are home to a healthy population of around 15,000 bobcats. These elusive cats are adept at surviving in harsh conditions, from arid deserts to mountainous regions. Wildlife watchers often catch glimpses of bobcats while exploring the state’s diverse landscapes.

Nevada

With its vast deserts and mountainous regions, Nevada also provides a perfect habitat for bobcats. Bobcats are often found in remote areas away from human settlements, and sightings in Nevada, home to approximately 27,000 of these cats, can be a rewarding experience for those willing to venture into the wild.

Oregon

Oregon’s lush forests and coastal areas support a thriving bobcat population of about 30,000. These adaptable predators are often seen in the state’s dense woodlands, so hiking trails and rural regions of Oregon offer excellent opportunities for observing them in the wild.

Washington

In Washington, bobcats inhabit forests, mountains, and even suburban areas, and their adaptability allows them to thrive in these various environments across the state. With an estimated population of 15,000, wildlife enthusiasts can often spot bobcats in national parks and nature reserves throughout Washington.

Montana

Montana’s vast wilderness areas are perfect for bobcats. They are a vital part of the ecosystem in Montana, as they help to control populations of small mammals and other prey. There are around 7,000 of them, and they are frequently seen in the state’s forests and grasslands.

Utah

Utah’s national parks and rugged landscapes are home to numerous bobcats. These predators are skilled at navigating the state’s rocky terrain and desert areas. With an estimated population of over 10,000, bobcat sightings are common in Utah’s wilderness, providing exciting opportunities for wildlife photographers and nature lovers.

Idaho

Idaho offers a mix of forests, mountains, and open plains where approximately 14,000 bobcats can be found. Their presence is notable in the state’s remote and rural areas. Hikers and campers in Idaho often report sightings of elusive bobcats while exploring the backcountry.

South Dakota

South Dakota’s prairies and forests are home to a significant bobcat population of around 2,000. These predators are often spotted in rural and less populated regions of the state, so wildlife enthusiasts visiting South Dakota have good chances of observing bobcats in their natural surroundings.

North Dakota

North Dakota also provides a suitable environment for approximately 1,500 bobcats, particularly in its forest and grassland areas. These cats are skilled at living in both wooded and open regions, and bobcat sightings are an additional highlight for nature watchers exploring the state’s scenic landscapes.

Nebraska

Nebraska’s varied terrain, including prairies and woodlands, supports a healthy bobcat population of about 6,000. These adaptable predators are commonly found in the state’s rural areas. These sightings in Nebraska often occur in less developed regions because bobcats here thrive away from human activity.

Kansas

Kansas is another state where bobcats, numbering around 2,500, are frequently seen. They may not be as many as in other states, but their presence is still notable in the state’s forests and agricultural areas. Bobcats in Kansas play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the local ecosystem by preying on small mammals.

Oklahoma

In Oklahoma, bobcats are common in both forested and open areas. Their adaptability allows them to thrive in various habitats across the state. Nature reserves and rural regions in Oklahoma, home to about 6,000 bobcats, are prime spots for observing these elusive predators.

Alabama

These adaptable predators thrive in Alabama’s varied environments as well. The state’s woodlands and swamps support a healthy population of bobcats, especially in its Coastal Plains and Piedmont areas. It is common to see them in rural and less-populated areas, providing ample opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts to observe bobcats in the wild.