Bobcats in Tennessee in October

Yes, October is a good month to see bobcats in Tennessee. It is the 4th busiest month of the year, with 43 of the 437 sightings logged across the year (9.8%), 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 TennesseeBobcat photographed in TennesseeBobcat photographed in Tennessee
Photos by iNaturalist observers, used under Creative Commons.

Good month for bobcats in Tennessee

9.8%

of yearly sightings

43

records in October

#4

busiest month of 12

437

verified records a year

September 5.7%, October 9.8%, November 5.7%. Busiest month is February at 11.4%.

Best months: February, May, January

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)

Quietest month

July

21 records

MonthObservationsShare
Januarypeak4510.3%
Februarypeak5011.4%
March398.9%
April358%
Maypeak4911.2%
June358%
July214.8%
August358%
September255.7%
October439.8%
November255.7%
December358%

Bobcats you are most likely to see

SpeciesVerified observations
Bobcat437

In Tennessee, October carries 9.8% of the year's bobcats sightings, about 1.5 points above an even month-to-month split. That makes it the 4th busiest of the twelve months, out of 12 months with recorded activity.

Activity is rising from September (5.7%) into October, and it heads toward November (5.7%) after. The busiest month is February (11.4%), so if timing is flexible, that window is the safer bet.

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

Which bobcats you are most likely to see

  • Bobcat437 records
Plan your tripAppalachian National Scenic Trail

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.

Frequently asked questions

Can you see bobcats in Tennessee in October?+

Yes. October accounts for 43 of the 437 verified bobcats sightings logged in Tennessee across the year, which is 9.8% of the annual total.

Is October a good time to see bobcats in Tennessee?+

October is the 4th busiest month. It is workable, though February and May is the stronger window for a reliable sighting.

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.