Best Time to See Bobcats in Montana
January, March and November is the best time to see bobcats in Montana. Based on 99 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when bobcats are most active across the year in Montana.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
99 verified observations of bobcats in Montana, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When bobcats are recorded in Montana
Peak month
January
13 records (13.1% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Januarypeak | 13 | 13.1% |
| February | 10 | 10.1% |
| Marchpeak | 13 | 13.1% |
| April | 7 | 7.1% |
| May | 6 | 6.1% |
| June | 4 | 4% |
| July | 8 | 8.1% |
| August | 5 | 5.1% |
| September | 4 | 4% |
| October | 5 | 5.1% |
| Novemberpeak | 12 | 12.1% |
| December | 12 | 12.1% |
Bobcats you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Bobcat | 99 |
Sightings of bobcats in Montana peak in January, when 13 of the year's 99 verified observations are logged — about 13.1% of the annual total. Activity stays high through January, March and November.
The quietest stretch is June, September and August, when bobcats are hardest to find — June sees just 4 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 Montana are Bobcat — 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 Montana
- Big Hole National Battlefield — National Battlefield
- Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area — National Recreation Area
- Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site — National Historic Site
- Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail — National Historic Trail
- Nez Perce National Historical Park — National Historical Park
- Yellowstone National Park — National Park
Tours and experiences nearby
Booking.com
Stay near Big Hole National Battlefield
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best bobcat viewing in Montana.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see bobcats in Montana?+
January is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through January, March and November, based on 99 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are bobcats hardest to see in Montana?+
June is the quietest month for bobcats in Montana, with only 4 verified records.
Are bobcats active year-round in Montana?+
Bobcats are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Montana, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in January.
More places to see bobcats
More wildlife in Montana