Have you ever wondered how to catch a bobcat?

Well, whether it’s for wildlife research, managing their population, or removing one that’s causing trouble for livestock, catching a bobcat can sometimes be necessary.

However, it’s important to know that bobcats are protected wildlife in many areas, so you must have the right permits before attempting to catch one.

Bobcats are strong animals with sharp claws and teeth, so safety is key.

In this blog, you will learn how to catch a bobcat safely and without causing harm to the animal or anyone involved.

How to Catch a Bobcat Simply and Easily?

Successfully catching a bobcat requires careful preparation, proper equipment, and adherence to local regulations to ensure safety and legality.

1. Preparation and Equipment

Contact your state wildlife agency for the necessary permits, as regulations vary by location, and many require special certification before attempting to capture animals.

You can also use heavy-gauge wire box traps or specialized foothold traps. Moreover, essential supplies include leather gloves, catch poles, and transport cages.

2. Location Selection

Look for 2-inch tracks without claw marks, segmented scat, and tree scratches. Then, focus on edge habitats and transitions between forests and fields.

However, trail cameras help confirm bobcat activity before trap placement. After that, set traps along travel corridors and ridgelines, but keep them away from areas where pets might be caught.

3. Setting Up Your Trap

Test that the trap mechanisms work properly. Just place it on flat ground and secure it with stakes if needed. Always wear gloves to minimize human scent.

After that, cover traps with local natural materials. Create guide sticks that are directed toward the trigger plates. Then, consider weather protection to maintain trap functionality and animal safety.

4. Baiting Strategies

Fresh rabbits, chickens, or game birds are effective attractants for bobcats. Just place bait beyond the trigger plate to ensure full entry before the trap activates.

Apply commercial lures to hanging fur pieces near traps. Then, create scent trails leading to your setup, using territorial scents farther away and food scents closer.

5. Monitoring and Checking

Check traps daily, preferably each morning, as required by law. Approach quietly to avoid startling captured animals. Listen before visual inspection.

Consider remote monitoring systems for quicker response times. After that, maintain detailed logs of all trap activities and promptly release any non-target animals that are caught.

6. Safe Handling and Transport

Approach trapped bobcats calmly with the proper equipment. Then, position the transport cage against the trap door for transfer, using catch poles to minimize direct contact.

Cover cages during transport to reduce stress. Use ventilated compartments, never enclosed cabins. Document the process thoroughly for permit compliance.

Super Interesting Facts About Bobcat Behaviour

Bobcats exhibit super interesting behaviors that help them survive in the wild, showcasing their adaptability and efficiency as solitary hunters.

• Territorial markings – Bobcats create scent posts by urinating or leaving feces in specific locations to mark their territory. Finding these can help identify active bobcat areas.
• Track identification – Bobcat prints are about 1.5-2 inches wide, with four toes and no claw marks (unlike dogs). They often place their back feet in the same spot as their front feet when walking.
• Habitat preferences – Bobcats favor rocky outcroppings, ledges, or hollow logs for den sites. They typically establish several different shelters within their territory.
• Hunting patterns – They’re most active during dawn and dusk (crepuscular), making these the optimal times for observation or capture attempts.
• Communication sounds – Bobcats make distinctive calls that sound similar to a house cat but louder. During mating season (February- March), they become more vocal with yowls that can be heard from a distance.
• Scat characteristics – Bobcat droppings are segmented, typically 3-5 inches long, and often contain visible hair and bone fragments from prey. They tend to bury their waste in loose soil.
• Food caching – Bobcats often cover larger prey kills with leaves or soil to return to later, which can signal their presence in an area.
• Home range size – Male bobcats maintain territories of 25-30 square miles, while females use smaller areas of 5-10 square miles.

Conclusion

Catching a bobcat isn’t just about traps and bait; it’s a process that calls for patience, skill, and careful attention to rules.

Always check local laws first!

When you are not sure what to do, talk to wildlife experts or professional trappers who work with bobcats regularly.

More support is available through your state’s wildlife department, local universities, and wildlife rehab centers.

Remember that, considering the animal’s well-being and following proper steps, keeps both you and the bobcat safe during the process.