Bobcats are quiet, shy and reclusive – usually seen by themselves or a female with kittens. Typically, it is easy to persuade them to leave. We recommend the use of deterrents and adjustments around the exterior of your home (all endorsed by the Humane Society of the United States) for making your yard and home less inviting to wildlife.
Try these tactics:
- Use noise and/or motion-activated deterrents to make a bobcat uncomfortable.
- Try an air horn or motion-activated sprinkler; bang pot lids together, or put a radio outside set to a news or talk channel.
- Clear any excess vegetation to remove secluded hiding spots.
- Do not leave pet food or water outside when your pet is indoors.
- Pick fruit from trees as soon as it ripens and pick up all fallen fruit.
- If you feed the birds or squirrels, ensure there is no overflowing bird seed on the ground to attract rodents at night, or restrict feeding. Bobcats can be attracted to the squirrels and birds that come to our yards to feed.
- Use fencing to deter bobcats. Fencing must be at least six feet high with the bottom extending 6-12 inches below ground level. Add an angle at the top facing outward at 45 degrees, and 16 inches in width.
- Do not leave small pets outdoors unattended or in a poorly-enclosed yard.
- If you have chickens or fowl, ensure they are put up at night.