Bobcats in Iowa in November

Yes, November is one of the best months to see bobcats in Iowa. It is the 2nd busiest month of the year, with 8 of the 65 sightings logged across the year (12.3%), based on verified iNaturalist records.

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By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.

Bobcat photographed in IowaBobcat photographed in IowaBobcat photographed in Iowa
Photos by iNaturalist observers, used under Creative Commons.

Peak month for bobcats in Iowa

12.3%

of yearly sightings

8

records in November

#2

busiest month of 12

65

verified records a year

October 10.8%, November 12.3%, December 15.4%. Busiest month is December at 15.4%.

Best months: December, November, April

65 verified observations of bobcats in Iowa, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.

When bobcats are recorded in Iowa

Peak month

December

10 records (15.4% of the year)

Quietest month

July

1 records

MonthObservationsShare
January57.7%
February69.2%
March34.6%
Aprilpeak710.8%
May57.7%
June34.6%
July11.5%
August34.6%
September710.8%
October710.8%
Novemberpeak812.3%
Decemberpeak1015.4%

Bobcats you are most likely to see

SpeciesVerified observations
Bobcat65

In Iowa, November carries 12.3% of the year's bobcats sightings, about 4 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 October (10.8%) into November, and it heads toward December (15.4%) after. This is right inside the peak window, so November is one of the surest months to plan a trip around.

The bobcats most often recorded in Iowa are Bobcat. Those counts are annual totals rather than a November split, so treat them as which species you are likely to encounter, while the month figures above show how many sightings fall in November itself.

Which bobcats you are most likely to see

  • Bobcat65 records
Plan your tripEffigy Mounds National Monument

Plan your bobcat trip in Iowa

Start with live tours near Effigy Mounds National Monument, then compare a nearby stay and a broader wildlife backup before you lock in the trip.

Frequently asked questions

Can you see bobcats in Iowa in November?+

Yes. November accounts for 8 of the 65 verified bobcats sightings logged in Iowa across the year, which is 12.3% of the annual total.

Is November a good time to see bobcats in Iowa?+

November is one of the best months. It ranks 2nd of the year and sits inside the peak window of December, November and April.

What month is best for bobcats in Iowa?+

December is the single busiest month, with the broader peak running through December, November and April, based on 65 verified observations.

Which bobcats are you most likely to see in Iowa?+

The most-recorded species in Iowa are Bobcat, based on all-time iNaturalist counts.