9 States Where Bobcats Roam Freely

Arizona: A Desert Haven for Bobcats

Arizona’s diverse desert ecosystems, including the Sonoran Desert and southeastern sky islands, provide an ideal habitat for bobcats, whose populations have remained stable

California: Bobcats Thrive in the Golden State

Despite urbanization, bobcats in California thrive across its varied landscapes, even adapting to urban areas like Los Angeles by utilizing parks, golf courses.

Florida: Swamplands Sanctuary for Bobcats

Florida’s vast wetlands, including the Everglades, offer a rich environment for bobcats, whose stable populations benefit from dense vegetation, abundant prey.

Maine: Bobcats Flourish in the Northeast

Maine’s expansive forests and rugged terrain have seen a rebound in bobcat populations, now exceeding 2,000 individuals, after overcoming historical hunting pressures.

Michigan: Great Lakes Bobcats

Bobcats thrive in Michigan’s diverse landscapes, from the Great Lakes shores to dense interior forests, with populations increasing due to effective state management strategies.

New Mexico: Adapting to the High Desert

In New Mexico's high desert plains and mountain ranges, bobcats thrive by obtaining moisture from prey and utilizing rocky canyons and arroyos for shelter, minimizing their need for water.

Oregon: Cascade Cougars

The Cascade Mountain Range in Oregon provides an optimal habitat for bobcats, where they thrive by hunting varied prey, utilizing dense forests and rugged terrain.

Texas: Bobcats in the Lone Star State

Texas supports one of the largest bobcat populations in the U.S., with these adaptable felines thriving across the state’s vast and diverse ecosystems.

Wisconsin: Northwoods Bobcats

In Wisconsin, especially the Northwoods, bobcats find ideal habitats in extensive forests and wetlands, thriving in dense vegetation and benefiting from an abundant prey base.