Bobcats in Michigan in December

Yes, December is one of the best months to see bobcats in Michigan. It is the 1st busiest month of the year, with 35 of the 266 sightings logged across the year (13.2%), 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.

Eastern Bobcat photographed in MichiganBobcat photographed in MichiganBobcat photographed in Michigan
Photos by iNaturalist observers, used under Creative Commons.

Peak month for bobcats in Michigan

13.2%

of yearly sightings

35

records in December

#1

busiest month of 12

266

verified records a year

November 6.8%, December 13.2%, January 8.6%. Busiest month is December at 13.2%.

Best months: December, May, September

266 verified observations of bobcats in Michigan, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.

When bobcats are recorded in Michigan

Peak month

December

35 records (13.2% of the year)

Quietest month

October

11 records

MonthObservationsShare
January238.6%
February238.6%
March207.5%
April228.3%
Maypeak269.8%
June238.6%
July186.8%
August228.3%
Septemberpeak259.4%
October114.1%
November186.8%
Decemberpeak3513.2%

Bobcats you are most likely to see

SpeciesVerified observations
Bobcat266

In Michigan, December carries 13.2% of the year's bobcats sightings, about 4.9 points above an even month-to-month split. That makes it the 1st busiest of the twelve months, out of 12 months with recorded activity.

Activity is rising from November (6.8%) into December, and it heads toward January (8.6%) after. This is right inside the peak window, so December is one of the surest months to plan a trip around.

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

Which bobcats you are most likely to see

  • Bobcat266 records
Plan your tripIsle Royale National Park

Plan your bobcat trip in Michigan

Start with live tours near Isle Royale National Park, then compare a nearby stay and a broader wildlife backup before you lock in the trip.

Frequently asked questions

Can you see bobcats in Michigan in December?+

Yes. December accounts for 35 of the 266 verified bobcats sightings logged in Michigan across the year, which is 13.2% of the annual total.

Is December a good time to see bobcats in Michigan?+

December is one of the best months. It ranks 1st of the year and sits inside the peak window of December, May and September.

What month is best for bobcats in Michigan?+

December is the single busiest month, with the broader peak running through December, May and September, based on 266 verified observations.

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

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