Bobcats in Pennsylvania: Types & Where They Live

The bobcat is a rather mysterious wild cat species . They’re almost like ghosts – you’ll unlikely see them unless it’s dark. People have been intrigued by this majestic cat for years because of its alluring beauty and cuteness (not to mention fluffiness) and its shy nature. Bobcats are tawny, agile, swift, and reserved creatures. Due to their rarity, seeing a bobcat in the wild is an incredible joy.

The ecosystems in Pennsylvania are extremely diverse. The state’s highest point, Mount Davis, at 3,213 feet, is located in the Appalachian Mountains , which cut across the state’s center. It is replete with wetlands , hills, grasslands , and deep forests . These types of habitats and more are what bobcats favor the most. So, are there bobcats in Pennsylvania ? That’s what we’ll find out in this article and more!

Are There Bobcats in Pennsylvania?

Bobcats are the only native wild cat species in Pennsylvania, and the state is seeing a rise in its population. For those fortunate enough to see one, bobcats are stunning creatures. Even getting one on a trail camera is rare because they are typically elusive and shy. The bobcat is a rare but surprisingly common animal that roams much of Pennsylvania’s wooded areas. When the bobcat is spotted, which is usually out of sight, it is occasionally mistaken for a domestic cat or a mountain lion .

Residents often encounter only a few of Pennsylvania’s wild animals. The bobcat’s typical range spans all of Pennsylvania, tracing the Appalachian and Allegheny mountain ranges from the southwest through the north-central counties and into the northeast. Others reside in isolated areas in some northern and south-central counties and only sometimes venture into the farmland-woodlot region in the southeast.

Bobcats react to a rise in prey availability. In Pennsylvania, good bobcat populations typically exist in forested areas with abundant prey. By expanding the forest canopy, promoting forest regeneration, and providing fallen woody vegetation, the number of small mammals can be enhanced, thus increasing their prey. For safety and raising their young, bobcats use caves, tree-root chambers, brush piles, and burrows between forests and fields.

Where Do Bobcats Live in Pennsylvania?

Bobcats can be found in various habitats in Pennsylvania, including agricultural areas, suburban woodlots, forested mountains, scrublands, and swamps . Most bobcats are found in the state’s north-central region, which makes sense given the area’s sparse human population and mountainous wildlands. Although there may be just as many in the more isolated regions farther to the north, a new survey showed a concentration in Centre and Clinton counties.

Because of their widespread distribution, abundance, and stable population, bobcats are ranked as one of the state’s least endangered species on the Red List of Threatened Species maintained by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. According to Aaron Facka, a furbearer specialist from the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC), “a stable population would be the best way to describe the current situation” in Pennsylvania, with certain regions exhibiting growing numbers.

Bobcats will undoubtedly reside in regions where they can find enough food and shelter. In rural regions close to clear-cuts, bobcats appear to thrive. According to studies, local small animal populations rise after clearcutting, and bobcats appear to react to this enhanced prey availability. The majority of the state is home to bobcats. Few or none are found in the northwest and southeast due to either dense human populations or a lack of suitable habitat.

Bobcat Population Status in Pennsylvania

The number of bobcats in Pennsylvania is increasing. There are 20,000 of them throughout the Commonwealth, according to the Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management. According to a 2010 research, the bobcat population has increased in most states, including Pennsylvania. The study revealed that bobcat populations are growing throughout the area, based on public sightings, hunter surveys, and the number of bobcats killed by automobiles, among other metrics. The population rise, nevertheless, does not imply that encounters between people and bobcats will happen frequently.

In Pennsylvania, thoughts about predators and bobcat control have changed significantly over the past century. During the early 1900s, bobcats and other predators were viewed as vermin. In 1916, a $15 bounty was set up to encourage the hunting of bobcats in the Commonwealth. Bobcats were no longer subject to the bounty in 1938. However, they were still heavily harassed and lacked protection until they were given furbearer status in 1970. Until then, the wild cat species was designated as “unprotected,” meaning no bounty was paid, but hunting and trapping were still permitted.

The bobcat finally received full protection and “game animal” status in 1970, partly responsible for its population rise. Since that year, bobcat numbers have increased across the Commonwealth. Under a very cautious management plan, only a small number of bobcats were killed by hunters and trappers.

Are There Black Bobcats in Pennsylvania?

A bobcat’s spots may only be visible in strong light due to a genetic trait called melanism that causes them to be a solid black hue. But this is a rare occurrence. Out of the roughly 12 examples, most black bobcat sightings have occurred in Florida , two in Canada , and none in Pennsylvania.

What Other Wild Cats Live in Pennsylvania?

Apart from the bobcat, no other wild cat species lives in Pennsylvania today. Residents of Pennsylvania have occasionally reported seeing what they think to be a mountain lion or black panther over the years. Mountain lions haven’t been present in Pennsylvania for a century, according to Pennsylvania State Extension. None of the reported black panther sightings have been substantiated to date.

Are Bobcats Dangerous?

Since bobcats are typically timid , lone creatures that infrequently initiate contact with humans , human attacks are unlikely. They can, however, turn dangerous if startled or in danger. Bobcats rarely become aggressive, but those who have rabies can attack and infect humans. They rarely hurt people and usually only fight larger animals when they feel threatened or need to defend themselves.

Up Next:

• Bobcats Location: Where Do Bobcats Live?
• Bobcats in Massachusetts: How Many Are There and Are They Dangerous?
• Bobcats in Wisconsin: How Many Are There and Are They Dangerous?

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