Bobcats in Illinois in May
Yes, May is a good month to see bobcats in Illinois. It is the 5th busiest month of the year, with 12 of the 145 sightings logged across the year (8.3%), 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.
Good month for bobcats in Illinois
8.3%
of yearly sightings
12
records in May
#5
busiest month of 12
145
verified records a year
April 9.7%, May 8.3%, June 6.9%. 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, May carries 8.3% of the year's bobcats sightings, about 0 points above an even month-to-month split. That makes it the 5th busiest of the twelve months, out of 12 months with recorded activity.
Activity is easing off from April (9.7%) into May, and it heads toward June (6.9%) after. The busiest month is February (15.2%), so if timing is flexible, that window is the safer bet.
The bobcats most often recorded in Illinois are Bobcat. Those counts are annual totals rather than a May split, so treat them as which species you are likely to encounter, while the month figures above show how many sightings fall in May 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.
Viator
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 May?+
Yes. May accounts for 12 of the 145 verified bobcats sightings logged in Illinois across the year, which is 8.3% of the annual total.
Is May a good time to see bobcats in Illinois?+
May is the 5th busiest month. It is workable, though February and January is the stronger window for a reliable sighting.
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