Best Time to See Bobcats in Missouri

February, March and October is the best time to see bobcats in Missouri. Based on 174 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when bobcats are most active across the year in Missouri.

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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 MissouriBobcat photographed in MissouriBobcat photographed in Missouri
Photos by iNaturalist observers, used under Creative Commons.
Best months: February, March, October

174 verified observations of bobcats in Missouri, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.

When bobcats are recorded in Missouri

Peak month

February

19 records (10.9% of the year)

Quietest month

July

6 records

MonthObservationsShare
January169.2%
Februarypeak1910.9%
Marchpeak1910.9%
April148%
May169.2%
June158.6%
July63.4%
August95.2%
September179.8%
Octoberpeak1910.9%
November137.5%
December116.3%

Bobcats you are most likely to see

SpeciesVerified observations
Bobcat174

Sightings of bobcats in Missouri peak in February, when 19 of the year's 174 verified observations are logged β€” about 10.9% of the annual total. Activity stays high through February, March and October.

The quietest stretch is July and August, when bobcats are hardest to find β€” July sees just 6 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.

The bobcats you are most likely to encounter in Missouri are Bobcat β€” the most-recorded species in the state. Each keeps its own seasonal rhythm, but the month-by-month pattern above reflects every reported sighting together.

Where to go

Best places to see bobcats in Missouri

  • George Washington Carver National Monument β€” National Monument
  • Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail β€” National Historic Trail
  • Ozark National Scenic Riverways β€” National Scenic Riverways
  • Ulysses S Grant National Historic Site β€” National Historic Site
  • Wilson's Creek National Battlefield β€” National Battlefield
  • Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail β€” National Historic Trail
Plan your tripGeorge Washington Carver National Monument

Plan your bobcat trip in Missouri

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

Frequently asked questions

What is the best month to see bobcats in Missouri?+

February is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through February, March and October, based on 174 verified iNaturalist observations.

When are bobcats hardest to see in Missouri?+

July is the quietest month for bobcats in Missouri, with only 6 verified records.

Are bobcats active year-round in Missouri?+

Bobcats are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Missouri, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in February.