Bobcats in Illinois in January
Yes, January is one of the best months to see bobcats in Illinois. It is the 2nd busiest month of the year, with 19 of the 145 sightings logged across the year (13.1%), based on verified iNaturalist records.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 2, 2026.
Peak month for bobcats in Illinois
13.1%
of yearly sightings
19
records in January
#2
busiest month of 12
145
verified records a year
December 7.6%, January 13.1%, February 15.2%. Busiest month is February at 15.2%.
145 verified observations of bobcats in Illinois, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When bobcats are recorded in Illinois
Peak month
February
22 records (15.2% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Januarypeak | 19 | 13.1% |
| Februarypeak | 22 | 15.2% |
| March | 12 | 8.3% |
| Aprilpeak | 14 | 9.7% |
| May | 12 | 8.3% |
| June | 10 | 6.9% |
| July | 7 | 4.8% |
| August | 10 | 6.9% |
| September | 8 | 5.5% |
| October | 12 | 8.3% |
| November | 8 | 5.5% |
| December | 11 | 7.6% |
Bobcats you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Bobcat | 145 |
In Illinois, January carries 13.1% of the year's bobcats sightings, about 4.8 points above an even month-to-month split. That makes it the 2nd busiest of the twelve months, out of 12 months with recorded activity.
Activity is rising from December (7.6%) into January, and it heads toward February (15.2%) after. This is right inside the peak window, so January is one of the surest months to plan a trip around.
The bobcats most often recorded in Illinois are Bobcat. Those counts are annual totals rather than a January split, so treat them as which species you are likely to encounter, while the month figures above show how many sightings fall in January itself.
Which bobcats you are most likely to see
- Bobcat145 records
Plan your bobcat trip in Illinois
Start with live tours near Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail, then compare a nearby stay and a broader wildlife backup before you lock in the trip.
GetYourGuide
Live tours nearbySee live tours near Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail
Use the live GetYourGuide widget to compare local departures and activity styles close to the main bobcat viewing area.
Booking.com
Stay nearbyStay near Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best bobcat viewing area in Illinois.
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Broader backupBook a bobcat tour in Illinois
Compare guided wildlife tours, boat trips and nature experiences if you want a second travel network beyond the live widget.
Frequently asked questions
Can you see bobcats in Illinois in January?+
Yes. January accounts for 19 of the 145 verified bobcats sightings logged in Illinois across the year, which is 13.1% of the annual total.
Is January a good time to see bobcats in Illinois?+
January is one of the best months. It ranks 2nd of the year and sits inside the peak window of February, January and April.
What month is best for bobcats in Illinois?+
February is the single busiest month, with the broader peak running through February, January and April, based on 145 verified observations.
Which bobcats are you most likely to see in Illinois?+
The most-recorded species in Illinois are Bobcat, based on all-time iNaturalist counts.
See bobcats in Illinois in other months
More places to see bobcats
More wildlife in Illinois