Bobcats in Tennessee in May
Yes, May is one of the best months to see bobcats in Tennessee. It is the 2nd busiest month of the year, with 49 of the 437 sightings logged across the year (11.2%), 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 Tennessee
11.2%
of yearly sightings
49
records in May
#2
busiest month of 12
437
verified records a year
April 8%, May 11.2%, June 8%. Busiest month is February at 11.4%.
437 verified observations of bobcats in Tennessee, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When bobcats are recorded in Tennessee
Peak month
February
50 records (11.4% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Januarypeak | 45 | 10.3% |
| Februarypeak | 50 | 11.4% |
| March | 39 | 8.9% |
| April | 35 | 8% |
| Maypeak | 49 | 11.2% |
| June | 35 | 8% |
| July | 21 | 4.8% |
| August | 35 | 8% |
| September | 25 | 5.7% |
| October | 43 | 9.8% |
| November | 25 | 5.7% |
| December | 35 | 8% |
Bobcats you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Bobcat | 437 |
In Tennessee, May carries 11.2% of the year's bobcats sightings, about 2.9 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%) into May, and it heads toward June (8%) 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 Tennessee 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
- Bobcat437 records
Plan your bobcat trip in Tennessee
Start with live tours near Appalachian National Scenic Trail, then compare a nearby stay and a broader wildlife backup before you lock in the trip.
GetYourGuide
Live tours nearbySee live tours near Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Use the live GetYourGuide widget to compare local departures and activity styles close to the main bobcat viewing area.
Booking.com
Stay nearbyStay near Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best bobcat viewing area in Tennessee.
Viator
Broader backupBook a bobcat tour in Tennessee
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 Tennessee in May?+
Yes. May accounts for 49 of the 437 verified bobcats sightings logged in Tennessee across the year, which is 11.2% of the annual total.
Is May a good time to see bobcats in Tennessee?+
May is one of the best months. It ranks 2nd of the year and sits inside the peak window of February, May and January.
What month is best for bobcats in Tennessee?+
February is the single busiest month, with the broader peak running through February, May and January, based on 437 verified observations.
Which bobcats are you most likely to see in Tennessee?+
The most-recorded species in Tennessee are Bobcat, based on all-time iNaturalist counts.
See bobcats in Tennessee in other months
More places to see bobcats
More wildlife in Tennessee