Bobcats in Michigan in May
Yes, May is one of the best months to see bobcats in Michigan. It is the 2nd busiest month of the year, with 26 of the 266 sightings logged across the year (9.8%), 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 June 28, 2026.
Peak month for bobcats in Michigan
9.8%
of yearly sightings
26
records in May
#2
busiest month of 12
266
verified records a year
April 8.3%, May 9.8%, June 8.6%. Busiest month is December at 13.2%.
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)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 23 | 8.6% |
| February | 23 | 8.6% |
| March | 20 | 7.5% |
| April | 22 | 8.3% |
| Maypeak | 26 | 9.8% |
| June | 23 | 8.6% |
| July | 18 | 6.8% |
| August | 22 | 8.3% |
| Septemberpeak | 25 | 9.4% |
| October | 11 | 4.1% |
| November | 18 | 6.8% |
| Decemberpeak | 35 | 13.2% |
Bobcats you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Bobcat | 266 |
In Michigan, May carries 9.8% of the year's bobcats sightings, about 1.5 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 April (8.3%) into May, and it heads toward June (8.6%) after. This is right inside the peak window, so May 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 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
- Bobcat266 records
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.
GetYourGuide
Live tours nearbySee live tours near Isle Royale National Park
Use the live GetYourGuide widget to compare local departures and activity styles close to the main bobcat viewing area.
Booking.com
Stay nearbyStay near Isle Royale National Park
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best bobcat viewing area in Michigan.
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Broader backupBook a bobcat tour in Michigan
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 Michigan in May?+
Yes. May accounts for 26 of the 266 verified bobcats sightings logged in Michigan across the year, which is 9.8% of the annual total.
Is May a good time to see bobcats in Michigan?+
May is one of the best months. It ranks 2nd 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.
See bobcats in Michigan in other months
More places to see bobcats
More wildlife in Michigan