Bobcat Home Range

[michiganoutdoorsman]

What’s a typical home range for a bobcat from season to season? Does it change much from fall to winter? I have a buddy sending me a lot of bobcat pictures off his trail cams, problem is our season doesn’t open till January 1. I also called in my first cat the other night out thermal hunting coyotes. I’m just curious if I’m getting my hopes up with increased cat activity last night or what I should expect in the coming months. I know scouting plays a major role, just curious what their typical home range is.

 

[Taco John]

Depends on the food availability.

How far and wide do they have wander to find groceries?


How far and wide do the toms have to wander to find girl friends.

 

[michiganoutdoorsman]

A lot of solid questions I don’t have the answers to lol. Our winters down here are not bad typically. Northern Michigan can be tough so I’m assuming where all the bobcat pics are coming from food might thin out a bit when snow comes.

 

[MallardSX2]

Depending on the state the home range is typically extreme. WAAAAY more than what you would ever imagine.

A 15 mile radius isn't uncommon.

 

[weekender7]

A bobcat's home range varies greatly depending on factors like sex, habitat quality, and food availability, but typically ranges from 2 to 100 square miles. Female ranges are smaller, around 6 square miles, while male ranges are much larger, often exceeding 30 square miles, though some can be as small as 3 square miles in certain areas.