In the early years of this century, bobcats were
reported as "somewhat common" in the park. In the last
64 years, there have been at least 43 reports of
bobcats sighted in the park, 9 to 14 reports in each
decade since 1960. These sightings have occurred
throughout the park; about 80 percent have occurred in
the northern half. Bobcats have been reported in about
equal numbers during all seasons. In 1960, a bobcat
was killed by a car near Squaw Lake (now Indian Pond)
on the north shore of Yellowstone Lake; its skull was
deposited in the Yellowstone Museum collection. Other
roadkilled bobcats were reported in 1993 and 1996. In
1960, a young bobcat was reported on the porch of the
administration building at Mammoth; other young
bobcats have been reported at Pebble Creek bridge
(Feb. 1977) and at Canyon campground (July 1986),
where one accompanied an adult bobcat.
No research has been conducted in Yellowstone to
determine the numbers or distribution of this elusive
animal that usually is solitary, nocturnal, and widely
scattered over its range.
Unlike lynx, which they resemble, bobcats elsewhere
have been highly adaptable to human-caused changes in
environmental conditions; some biologists believe that
there are more bobcats in the United States today than
in colonial times. Yellowstone has many rock outcrops,
canyons bordered by rock ledges, conifer forests, and
semi-open areas that seem to offer conditions
favorable for bobcats—adequate shelter, a variety of
rodents, rabbits, hares, birds, and other small
animals as well as seasonal carrion, for food. Carrion
is seldom used if live prey is available. Studies
elsewhere have shown that bobcats also may kill both
young and adult antelope and deer; they stalk bedded
adults and may be carried long distances while biting
their prey in the neck.
Bobcats are known to hole-up and wait out severe
winter storms elsewhere, but whether they are able to
tolerate the severe midwinter conditions of the park
interior is unknown. These elusive cats are most
active at night, so even those who study them seldom
have an opportunity to see one. If you are so
fortunate, look for the black bars on the inside of
the forelegs. Black bars mean bobcat, and not the
similar-looking lynx! If you see tracks, measure and
photograph them carefully, then consult a track field
guide. Bobcat tracks seldom exceed 2 1/4 inches in
length; lynx tracks usually are longer than 3 1/2 inches.
If you see a bobcat or bobcat tracks, please report
them promptly to a ranger or visitor center. For
animals so seldom recorded, every observation is
useful and important.
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