Bobcats in Wyoming: Where to Look and What Signs to Watch For

Bobcats in Wyoming are most likely found in the rugged terrain of the Bighorn Basin, the Red Desert, and the breaks along the North Platte River. They favor rocky ledges, canyon rims, and areas with sparse juniper or sagebrush. Unlike lynx, bobcats stay at lower elevations, rarely above 8,000 feet. The Laramie Range foothills, the Absaroka Range edges, and the badlands near Rawlins all support bobcat populations. Check the escarpments around Kaycee or the badlands near Rawlins for the best odds. Private ranches with mature woodlots and rocky draws also harbor bobcats, though access may be limited. For more on the state's wildlife, see our Wyoming wildlife hub.

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Bobcats are crepuscular, most active during twilight hours. Plan your spotting trips for early morning or late evening, especially from late fall through early spring when they are more visible against snow or bare ground. Winter is the best season because bobcats hunt more actively and tracks last longer. Late November through February offers prime viewing conditions when snow cover makes tracks more visible and bobcats hunt in daylight more often due to competition and hunger. Spring (March through May) offers renewed activity as prey populations emerge. Summer brings more nocturnal behavior and denser vegetation, making sightings rare. Fall (September through October) marks the beginning of increased activity as young disperse from maternal territories.

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Bobcat tracks are round and about 1.5 to 2 inches across, with four toes and no claw marks (claws retracted). Learn to distinguish them from domestic cat tracks: bobcat prints are larger and the heel pad is more asymmetrical. Look for scrapes along trails, often with urine or scat on top. Bobcats also scratch tree trunks to mark territory, leaving vertical claw marks on bark. Scat is about the size of a pencil, often dark and segmented. Fresh kills (usually rabbits or hares) left partially covered are a strong sign of bobcat presence. Listen for bobcat calls at dawn and dusk: a low growl or a cat-like yowl that carries across canyons. Rocky areas with rabbit droppings and escape routes are prime bobcat habitat. For detailed track comparisons, visit our bobcat information page.

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In Wyoming, the only other wild cat is the Canada lynx, which is larger, has longer ear tufts, and huge furry paws. Bobcats have a short tail (4 to 6 inches) with a black tip on top only, while lynx tails are all black-tipped. The ruffed fur on the side of the face (muttonchops) is less prominent in bobcats. If you see a small cat with a stubby tail and spotted coat, it is almost certainly a bobcat. Bobcats typically weigh 15 to 35 pounds, with males larger than females. Their ear tufts are shorter than a lynx's. The face pattern in bobcats is more delicate, with a white muzzle and black cheek stripes. Paw size is the clearest field mark: a bobcat's paw is smaller and more compact than a lynx's.

A good pair of binoculars (8x or 10x magnification) is essential for scanning distant rock faces and canyon walls. Bring a camera with a telephoto lens (200mm or longer), packed snacks, and warm layers for cold mornings and evenings. Track identification guides or apps can help. Map out public lands like the Thunder Basin National Grassland or the Seminoe Mountains. A headlamp or flashlight works well for dawn and dusk spotting. Wear neutral colors (tan, brown, gray) to blend with the landscape. Bring water and a GPS unit or smartphone with offline maps, as terrain can be confusing.