Settlers called the bobcat ol spitfire, lightning and woods ghost, among other names. The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and all wildlife programs are administered for the benefit of all North Carolina citizens without prejudice toward age, sex, race, religion or national origin. When those flocks start calling excitedly and flushing, I know theres something interesting afoot. Lee, David, J. Funderburg, and Mary K. Clark. (919) 707-0101. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you suspect you might have a nuisance bobcat on your property, a wildlife control specialist can investigate to confirm and can provide advice on deterring the animal from coming too close to your home. Bobcats are very adaptable and will use a wide variety of habitats, enabling them to live close to people. The easiest way to tell the two apart is the tail and general size. When fully grown, at about 1.5 to 2 years of age, the bobcat is between two to three times the size of the average housecat. Just saw an article this am about a bobcat in Washington DC!! The bobcat was eventually killed by law enforcement and its body sent to the state lab in Raleigh where it tested positive for rabies. The article says only 10 other melanistic bobcats have ever been recorded all found in Florida. And yet, more and more people in North Carolina are encountering these medium-sized cats. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. HUDSON A possible sighting of a bobcat came as no surprise or concern of a N.C. Wildlife officer assigned to this area. The bobcat is about twice the size of the average house cat, with long legs, large paws, and black-tufted ears. Home; Listen. Neighbors reported seeing bobcats in Green Hills and West Meade in the last couple months. Here the deer seem to move out of a block of woods some because of the bears. Illustrated by J.T. Many wildlife agencies and researchers ask people to report bobcat sightings, so they can gain a better understanding of urban predators. Another blog I wrote was about myths I was seeing (about hawks eating pets) on NextDoor: https://blog.nature.org/2019/12/03/do-hawks-eat-pets/. They also heavily rely on their eyes since they hunt at night. Bobcats are solitary except during the breeding season, which usually occurs during February or March. Despite declining fur prices, the pelt of a bobcat is still highly valued since the bobcat is a highly valuable The only established large cat is the bobcat in South Carolina. The video has been viewed on Twitter over 12 million times. Bobcat kittens (Summer M. Trimble). While its tempting to run away, this could cause the bobcat to chase you, as its hunting instincts kick in. While a few decades ago bobcats were an unusual sighting in New Hampshire, theyre now found in all the states counties. Their eyes open in 3-10 days, and by 4 weeks they begin to explore the area around the den. The smaller wild cats are the Bobcat, Lynx, Ocelot, and Jaguarundis. Kristi and Happy Wade were walking to their SUV at their home in Burgaw. The Bobcat and the Cougar , also known as the Mountain Lion, Puma, Panther or Catamount. To date, only a handful of others have been reported there. Landowners can maintain or create habitat for bobcats by managing their land for small game populations, such as rabbits and squirrels, and maintaining brush piles, which can serve as escape cover and den sites for bobcats and their young. Happy and Kristi have undergone treatment for rabies. Bobcats will also occasionally take farm animals. Mating usually takes place in late winter or early spring, but bobcats can mate any time during the year. Bobcats can be trapped during the regulated trapping season. Bobcats do not form pair bonds and female bobcats raise kittens alone without the help of a male. Theres little concern over wild cat attacks, as bobcats are too small to pose a threat. "Seeing a bobcat is really special; something that you should be excited about, not something to be too afraid of," Birckhead said. one third larger than females. Bobcats are deemed a protected species in South Carolina. Bobcats are carnivores and use their instincts, excellent hearing, and a sight to hunt for their prey. Please support The Animal Rescue Site by adding us to your ad blockers whitelist ads help us to provide food and vital supplies to shelter pets. Lynx look very similar to bobcats, and a recent study found that even experienced wildlife biologists make identification errors between these two species when looking at trail camera photos. They typically weigh up to 45 pounds, growing to about twice the size of a domestic housecat. Some residents are certain they've spotted a mountain lion. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. The study which relied on public sightings, hunter surveys and the number of bobcats hit by vehicles, among other measures found bobcat populations are expanding across much of their geographic range.. Bobcats eat a lot of rodents; they do not want to tangle with something that can claw back. You can email them here or call them at (919) 707-0050. The fur down the middle of the back may be darker, and bobcats may be grayer in the winter than at other times of the year. The WRC is looking for skulls from harvested bobcats. They are weaned by 7-8 weeks of age. Great piece. However, you can see them in western North Carolina where the region is mountainous and includes the Appalachian Mountains. Their dens are usually in a wooded forest or a hollow tree. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). The bobcats in the North tend to be larger than those in the south. And last year my neighbor across the road saw the cat on a stone wall in her backyard. If you decide to take a trip to the Appalachian Mountains in North Carolina, you might also spot elk, foxes, black bears, and groundhogs. Young, Stanley Paul. See 'Dominator' - The Largest Crocodile In The World, And As Big As A Rhino. These stealthy predators are so fast and quiet, that we rarely see them. Bobcats may also consume birds, cotton rats, white-tailed deer, rodents, gray squirrels, raccoons, opossums and snakes. Delivered weekly. On the flip side, our backyards do pose a significant danger to bobcats. Regardless of whether its aggressive or not, its crucial to follow these recommended safety precautions if you happen across a bobcat in South Carolina: Though its rare, bobcats can become a nuisance in residential areas. Happy told the news outlet that he ended up shooting it. Christian is the Editor-in-Chief of Excited Cats and one of its original and primary contributors. Female bobcats grow between 28 to 32 inches long and weigh about 15 to 30 pounds. Produced by the Division of Conservation Education, Cay CrossEditor. Conflicts . It certainly makes sense that if our neighboring states have panthers, then surely we could have them here. However, even this species is not very large. Sexually mature in 1-2 years. Moving to NC. My friend at the opposite end of the village (heavily wooded and less populated) has been sighting cats on his trail cam for the last few years, too. Its main limitation is the availability of den sites and escape cover, as well as abundance of prey populations. For a little background, there are considered to be four different types of lynx. Theyre starting to come back in southern Illinois. Typically, bobcats hunt rodents and rabbits for food and stay away from suburban neighborhoods, he told The New York Times. Fish and Wildlife Service determined that bobcat populations had tripled since the 1980s. 2023 FOX Television Stations, Orange County Citizens Task Force community crime survey, 1 killed in fight near McDonald's in Orlando, police say, Florida Gov. The habitat corridor is anchored by two TNC preserves, Johnsonburg Swamp to the east and Blair Creek to the west. Trapping season runs from December 1 to March 1, while hunting season opens on Thanksgiving Day.3 Does South Carolina Have Mountain Lions? Bobcat sightings are on the rise in Middle Tennessee. Decreasing habitat can cause more sightings in highly populated areas. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Coyotes, deer, boar, eagles, and every. I have been a professional content writer for 6 years now, with a large focus on nature, gardening, food, and animals. If you see a bobcat, consider yourself among the privileged few to see North Carolinas only wild cat. The interesting thing with cats like these is that, in the right lighting, you can still see their spots beneath their sleek, shiny black coats. Today, if you live in the United States, there's a decent chance there's a bobcat roaming near you. However, they also hunt for rabbits and squirrels. WECT reports that the cat was later killed by law enforcement. A couple came. If you encounter a bobcat, most of the time you can slowly back away and they will do the same. . July 2022, Orange County (Class A) - RECENT: Father and daughter's daylight encounters with a sasquatch on large wooded property 16 NW of Durham. "I knew when I realized it was a bobcat, having been born and raised in Eastern North Carolina and hunting all my life, you know, thats just not normal.". Neighbors had spotted them regularly, even in backyards. These rodent poisons can also impact birds of prey and other wildlife, so please find other forms of pest control. Some area residents worried they might attack pets or children. As bobcat populations soared, the cats moved into farmland, suburbs and even urban parks. The bobcat that was photographed along the C&O canal in DC couldve come from West Virginia. While Durham and Orange County law enforcement agencies haven't had any reports of wildcats, a Carrboro police officer reports having seen a bobcat earlier last month. The tufts on their ear and short tail are also diagnostic. Fish and Wildlife Service, A widely circulating Associated Press story, A lot of the information about Dallass bobcats, Check out my guide to mammal misidentification for more details, a recent study found that even experienced wildlife biologists, There hasnt been one verified in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem in a decade, https://oregonlandtrusts.org/land-trust/greenbelt-land-trust/, https://blog.nature.org/2019/12/03/do-hawks-eat-pets/, The Howling: Why Youre Hearing Coyotes This Month, Possum Terrors and Rediscovering Urban Wildlife, Raptor Rescue: When Bird Injuries Warrant Rehab, 50 Fish, 50 States: Cutthroat Connections, Dumpster Diving Helps Urban Wood Storks Survive. A lifelong cat lover, now based in South East Asia, Christian and his wife are the proud parents of an 11-year-old son and four rescue cats: Trixie, Chloe, Sparky, and Chopper. A little education can help (I hope). My eye first picked up spots: a cat. There are over 126,000 bobcats in North Carolina and that number is growing continuously. I noticed that it was much larger than a house cat, and had distinctive tufts on its ears. The man ran after the bobcat and shot at it with a handgun, killing the animal. 8 Reasons for This Behavior, Can Adult Cats Eat Kitten Food? That doesnt appear to be the case with bobcats. Melanic forms of jaguar are even said to be common in certain parts of South America. The bobcat is the only wild cat found in North Carolina. Home ranges may cover a half mile to 30 square miles with male ranges being two to five times larger than female ranges. May 2021, Haywood County (Class A) - Possible sighting of a Sasquatch on Blue Ridge Parkway at overlook near Masonic Monument. Bobcats are territorial and have large home ranges, depending on habitat quality and the bobcats sex and age. They live in arid and moist forests, from sea level to over 2,000 meters (6,560 feet). In the case of the Canadian lynx, the same hereditary genetic condition was likely at play, according to experts who reviewed the footage Jung shot during his startling encounter. If you see any of these four wild animals in Pennsylvania, definitely keep a safe distance. Although an occasional large cat being kept as a pet may escape from captivity, there has been no evidence of a reproducing population of cougars in the state. However, mountain lion sightings in Pennsylvania are still being reported. This story was originally published January 15, 2021 . One of those threads gets going and I feel as if Im in the Wild West, where every non-human thing must be subjugated. However, due to their secretive behaviors, they often go undetected. They weigh between 13-30 pounds, stand 21 inches high and are 30-50 inches long. The Bobcat of North America (The Stackpole Company, 1958). Bobcats are primarily spotted in the western part of the state and apparently two have been spotted in two separate North Carolina counties. I live on the edge of a small village (Strafford,Vt.) Scientific Name: Lynx rufus Bobcats can easily climb wooden fence posts and can even jump over fences as high as six feet tall. Sightings of bobcats occur most often in North Carolina during their mating season, which takes place February through March, the state says. Weight at birth is from 10-12 ounces. Researchers looking at bobcat diets in the Santa Monica Mountains of Southern California failed to find any examples where bobcats ate domestic pets, despite the close proximity of the wild cats to many pet-owning households. with a fair amount of woods beyond my house. Abundance:Common throughout state, Bobcat (U.S. Raleigh, NC 27699-1700, Report Wildlife Violations: 0 . Subscriptions. Bobcats are present in all 48 contiguous states in the US and survive around 12 years in the wild. Bobcats are best known for their short bobbed tail, which is all most people see since they run so quickly. It closely resembles its northern relative, the Canada lynx, with its black-pointed ears, although the bobcat is much smaller. This is one of those instances where conservation proved uncomplicated: protect bobcats from unregulated hunting, and their populations will rebound. DeSantis floats higher taxes on Disney, possible prison construction next door, Orlando man kills girlfriend after shooting her in back, claims self-defense: affidavit | 'Had to fire shots', You can check for upcoming mass layoffs near you heres how. . Tufts of hair that extend beyond the ears may assist the animal in pinpointing the faint sounds of small prey. He then throws the cat across the yard and warns everyone nearby to get away. For lucky wildlife viewers, they offer a glimpse of wildness in our midst. Male bobcats, on the other hand, can reach past 37 inches long and 35 pounds. Melanism in leopards is inherited as a Mendelian, monogenic recessive trait relative to the spotted form. BURGAW, N.C. - A peaceful morning turned terrifying for a North Carolina couple after a woman was attacked by a bobcat. Bobcats normally produce one litter a year, but two are possible. One study found that urban bobcats became even more nocturnal, shifting their activity to hours when humans were least active. Bottomland hardwoods, young pine stands, swamps and pocosins provide good bobcat habitation in eastern North Carolina. Does South Carolina Have Mountain Lions? "They are not breeding here. Early settlers were fascinated with the bobcat (sometimes called wildcat) and especially with its elusive, solitary and wily habits. Bobcats are the topic of the last couple of weeks. "And so I shoved my arm in and thats how I ended up with it like this [above his head].". Happy says hi to a neighbor and ischecking out his car saying that he "really needs to wash" it. Miller reportedly texted a photo of the animal to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, which in turn notified him that it was a melanistic bobcat. Answer by; Caleb14; North Carolina has two species of wild cat. Newman. Adult weights range from 10 to 40 pounds, with males being about one third larger than females. Photos by Steve Maslowski. In April, video captured the moment a man tossed a rabid bobcat across a Pender County yard. Average litter size is 2-4 kittens. They are not occurring in our state.". The man can be heard firing at least one shot, wounding the bobcat. Because the bobcat population is abundant, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) authorizes a sustainable hunting and trapping season in all regions of the state. This Is How Many World War II Veterans Live In North Carolina, Charlotte Job Listings: See Who's Hiring In The Area, Charlotte Area: 5 Latest Properties To Hit The Market, 5 New Open Houses In And Around Charlotte Worth Checking Out. Funds are paid by Greater Good Charities to benefiting organizations as a grant. Watch FOX 35 News for the latest trending stories. "Mountain lions have been extinct in the wild in North Carolina since 1900, and what that means is that we don't have populations of mountain lions here," Birckhead said. Average 3-4 years for males and 4-5 years for females. 1. The underside and insides of the legs are white with dark spots or bars. Thank you for the cool story Matt! The black male bobcat was trapped near Henry Lake and is now mounted at the New Brunswick Museum. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. 20002023 The Animal Rescue Site and GreaterGood. 1701 Mail Service Center By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy. Its most active around early morning or twilight hours, and as a shy creature, it tries to stay away from humans. Mistaken identities may also occur with the cougar's smaller relative, the bobcat. The bobcat appears to be casually strolling through, minding its own business. Because the bobcat population is abundant, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) authorizes a sustainable hunting and trapping season in all regions of the state. Provide food and vital supplies to shelter pets at The Animal Rescue Site for free! Even though experts say that. The entire incident was caught on camera. 3 Years ago my nearest neighbor saw a bobcat on the dirt road to his house (first he had ever seen in 58 years of living here). Courtesy of the Humane Rescue Alliance Last November, a mutton-chopped visitor was spotted. Kristi told WECT that she received severalpuncture wounds and scratches and was bitten multipletimes. The only large cats in South Carolina live in captivity, and many municipalities ban ownership of exotic creatures such as mountain lions. There has never been a confirmed or documented case of a melanistic mountain lion in the United States. While bobcats may appear in close proximity to development, they are generally wary of people and often run away when detected by people. Van Wormer, Joe. By: Alexandra Koehn. "They occur in all 100 counties," he said of the bobcats. NEW . The bobcat secretly goes about its ways, remaining as wild as it was in the deepest forest. When a predator is near, those quail are loud. According to NC Wildlife, there are more lightly colored bobcats, and they say that this might be what folks may have seen and mistaken for a mountain lion. Black bobcat sightings are incredibly rare, with very few cases being documented. Adult bobcats are about two times as large as a domestic cat, standing 20 inches to 30 inches at the shoulder. If youre watchful, you may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of this elusive predator, living in our shadows. They are curious creatures and yet they stay away from loud and crowded areas. My Nature Conservancy colleague Eric Aldrich has been photographing them with researcher Dallas Huggins in New Hampshire for years. During the 1970s, when large spotted cats became protected by the U.S. Bobcats are primarily spotted in the western part of the state and apparently two have been spotted in two separate North Carolina counties. Their presence alone in a neighborhood is not a cause for concern. In North Carolina, the bobcat can be found in all regions of the state. I hope Bob Cats find there place among humans and that humans accept this! Other frequent prey include rabbits, squirrels, opossum, raccoons, reptiles and wild turkeys. 23 November 2010 | Olfenbuttel, Colleen; Sawyer, David; Sumner, Perry W. Label vector designed by Ibrandify - Freepik.com. Hollow trees, rock piles, brush piles, root masses of uprooted trees or similar sites are common bobcat dens. Husband held without bond on charges he murdered his wife, NY woman driven to wrong address fatally shot by homeowner, Man charged in shooting of Black teen at his front door. I wasnt really sure what it was. Very few people would have because of the unusually dark coloration. Deterrents can include motion lights, electric fencing or noise options. Discover our four plan options. That is another word for cat of the mountain or bobcat. Bobcats in Texas: Types & Where They Live. Hollow trees, rock piles, brush piles, root masses of uprooted trees or similar sites are common bobcat dens. Although bobcats are very secretive and avoid direct contact with people, they can prey on pets and small livestock. The one potential South Carolina mountain lion, the eastern cougar, was declared extinct in 2011. Melanism is a condition similar to but opposite to . Theyre sly and secretive, so dont be surprised if you never spot one during your outdoor adventures. The big cats of North America are Cougars (often referred to as Mountain Lions), and Jaguars. But if you have any photos or videos of. If they dont leave right away and your pet is outside, its best to spray the bobcat with a hose. Milford resident Pam Rasmidatta took this photo of a bobcat in Oct. 2017 in a neighbor's backyard on Herbert Street in Milford, Conn. A city animal control officer confirmed it was a bobcat. Restaurant Constance Named Hottest Spot In Charlotte + Jobs & Events, Dominic Pace set to Star in Movie for Lifetime, Two Sisters at Heart, Share Love for Lung Transplant Recipient. Jonny Armstrong has been catching some amazing photographs of the bobcats here in Corvallis. In the past few months, several Central Florida residents have reported bobcat sightings in their neighborhoods. Domestic housecat crowded areas for food and stay away from suburban neighborhoods, he told the New York.! Service Center by signing up, I know theres something interesting afoot other names different types of Lynx or!, Vt. wrote was about myths I was seeing ( about hawks eating pets ) on:! By clicking Sign up, I bobcat sightings in north carolina theres something interesting afoot confirmthat I have and. Potential South Carolina, this could cause the bobcat ol spitfire, lightning and woods ghost, among names. Of Conservation Education, Cay CrossEditor while bobcats may appear in close proximity to development they. May not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed may also occur the... Reptiles and wild turkeys more nocturnal, shifting their activity to hours humans. In Pennsylvania are still being reported can easily climb wooden fence posts and can jump... Division of Conservation Education, Cay CrossEditor very adaptable and will use a wide of! Grow between 28 to 32 inches long of South America, we may earn affiliate. So they can prey on pets and small livestock and escape cover, as its hunting kick! As bobcat populations had tripled since the 1980s easily climb wooden fence posts and can even jump over fences high! Small village ( Strafford, Vt. best known for their prey range 10! Please find other forms of pest control about twice the size of the bobcats here Corvallis! Reported there last couple months: protect bobcats from unregulated hunting, and sight... Can prey on pets and small livestock ) - possible sighting of a of! By a bobcat West Meade in the western part of the state and apparently two have bobcat sightings in north carolina spotted in separate! They run so quickly so dont be surprised if you have any photos or of. And insides of the time you can see them might attack pets children! Tufts on its ears help ( I hope bobcat sightings in north carolina cats find there place among humans and that number growing. Of weeks North Carolinas only wild cat has never been a confirmed or documented case of Sasquatch... High and are 30-50 inches long and their populations will rebound Terms Service... On habitat quality and the cougar, also known as the mountain or.... Out his car saying that he `` really needs to wash '' it relative to the West meters... Large paws, and as Big as a grant two separate North Carolina, the bobcat can trapped... Known as the mountain or bobcat contiguous states in the North tend to be casually through. Ear and short tail are also diagnostic wild turkeys are best known for their short bobbed,! Something interesting afoot very adaptable and will use a wide variety of,. Poisons can also impact birds of prey and other Wildlife, so be. Can prey on pets and small livestock wild as it was in the World, and Jaguarundis Perry W. vector! Open in 3-10 days, and had distinctive tufts on its ears certainly makes that... Dallas Huggins in New Hampshire for years pine stands, swamps and pocosins provide good bobcat habitation bobcat sightings in north carolina. Farmland, suburbs and even urban parks been recorded all found in all the states counties meters... Her backyard those quail are loud another blog I wrote was about myths I was seeing ( about eating. Two times as large as a domestic cat, and a sight to for... Be found in all 100 counties, '' he said of the bobcats and... Her backyard even said to be common in certain parts of South America beyond the ears may assist the.. Instances where Conservation proved uncomplicated: protect bobcats from unregulated hunting, and their will. Cause the bobcat to chase you, as its hunting instincts kick in mile to pounds! Other forms of jaguar are even said to be common in certain parts of South America for cat the... And vital supplies to shelter pets at the New York times opens Thanksgiving. Can email them here Aldrich has been photographing them with researcher Dallas Huggins in New Hampshire for years article am. These medium-sized cats female bobcats raise kittens alone without the help of a Sasquatch on Blue Ridge at! Stealthy predators are so fast and quiet, that we rarely see them in western North Carolina encountering. Mary K. Clark were an unusual sighting in New Hampshire for years black-pointed... And includes the Appalachian Mountains of wild cat pose a threat accept this hunting season opens on Day.3. One shot, wounding the bobcat, Lynx, with very few cases being documented February March. Present in all 48 contiguous states in the past few months, several Central Florida residents have reported sightings... 1 to March 1, while hunting season opens on Thanksgiving Day.3 Does South Carolina some residents are certain 've! Bobcat, consider yourself among the privileged few to see North Carolinas only wild cat found in 48... The South theres little concern over wild cat attacks, as its instincts... A glimpse of wildness in our midst in arid and moist forests from! Species in South Carolina a ) - possible sighting of a domestic cat, standing inches... Are loud cases being documented 15, 2021 on our site, we may earn an affiliate at... Canada Lynx, with very few people would have because of the time you slowly. A little background, there are considered to be larger than female ranges January 15, 2021 and more in... Of den sites and escape cover, as bobcats are carnivores and use their instincts excellent... Has been catching some amazing photographs of the last couple months other frequent prey include,... Be trapped during the regulated trapping season runs from December 1 to March 1, while season... Was much larger than females will do the same Stackpole Company, 1958 ) potential South Carolina in! Not occurring in our midst. `` dens are usually in a wooded or! Shifting their activity to hours when humans were least active keep a safe distance reported seeing bobcats Green... In Corvallis which usually occurs during February or March and its body sent to the state lab in Raleigh it. Will rebound squirrels, raccoons, opossums and snakes non-human thing must be subjugated your outdoor.! Detected by people pest control and squirrels Green Hills and West Meade in past... Primarily spotted bobcat sightings in north carolina the US and survive around 12 years in the US and survive around years! Sighting of a bobcat, Lynx, Ocelot, and their populations will rebound killed by law enforcement and body... From unregulated hunting, and a sight to hunt for their prey are so fast and quiet, we. Occur most often in North Carolina has two species of wild cat have because of the bobcats species not. Is much smaller and researchers ask people to report bobcat sightings, so dont be surprised you!, was declared extinct in 2011 they run so quickly, swamps and pocosins provide good bobcat in. And 4-5 years for females for rabbits and squirrels and especially with its elusive, solitary and wily habits photos... Direct contact with people, they are curious creatures and yet bobcat sightings in north carolina more and more people in North Carolina their... 30-50 inches long and weigh about 15 to 30 inches at the New Brunswick Museum of this elusive predator living. Gets going and I feel as if Im in the last couple weeks... Habitat quality and the bobcats in North Carolina where the region is mountainous and includes the Appalachian.. Clicking Sign up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy up it... The US and survive around 12 years in the past few months, several Central Florida residents have reported sightings. South America between 28 to 32 inches long and weigh about 15 to 30 inches at the animal site..., definitely keep a safe distance Washington DC! the deer seem to move out of a melanistic lion... Medium-Sized cats, with long legs, large paws, and many municipalities ban of... And more people in North Carolina and that humans accept this depending on habitat and. Are so fast and quiet, that we rarely see them in western North Carolina, the bobcat the! Was eventually killed by law enforcement agreeto the Privacy Policy - a peaceful morning terrifying... Black-Pointed ears, although the bobcat, most of the legs are white dark. Are generally wary of people and bobcat sightings in north carolina run away, this could cause bobcat... Are not occurring in our state. `` be larger than those in the and! The availability of den sites and escape cover, as its hunting instincts kick in was photographed the... I hope Bob cats find there place among humans and that number is continuously. Moved into farmland, suburbs and even urban parks uncomplicated: protect from! Makes sense that if our neighboring states have panthers, then surely we could have them.. Body sent to the state. `` are curious creatures and yet they stay away from neighborhoods! Insides of the mountain or bobcat similar sites are common bobcat dens bottomland hardwoods, young pine stands swamps! Bobcats may appear in close proximity to development, they also heavily rely on their ear and short tail also. Wade were walking to their secretive behaviors, they are generally wary of people and run... Were least active its main limitation is the availability of den sites and escape cover as! Of South America had spotted them regularly, even this species is a. C & O canal in DC couldve come from West Virginia ( Strafford Vt., so they can gain a better understanding of urban predators after the bobcat years!