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Wildlife of Tennessee · Predators and Large Animals

Bobcat in Tennessee

Shy and rarely a danger to people, but poultry and small pets are at risk. Call 615-357-7797 any hour.

Call us today615-357-7797
A bobcat with tufted ears and spotted coat walking along a rail fence at the edge of a Tennessee forest, golden hour.

At a Glance

About the Bobcat

Coyotes, foxes, bobcats, bears and deer are part of Tennessee’s landscape. Most conflicts are about pets, poultry, gardens and trash, so prevention works better than removal.

Call TWRA First

Risk: Shy and rarely a danger to people, but poultry and small pets are at risk.

Call 615-357-7797

Scientific nameLynx rufus
Size28 to 50 inches
Where it shows upWoodland edges, farms and large wooded lots
When it is activeDusk, dawn and night

Signs You Have One

How to Tell

These are the clues that point to a bobcat.

  • Large cat tracks without claw marks
  • Dead rabbits or poultry carried off
  • Rare sightings at dusk along woodland edges

Call TWRA First

What We Do About the Bobcat

This animal is managed by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. If it is a danger or is injured, call TWRA. We help you protect your property, pets and garden with fencing, deterrents and securing food.

Prevention

Keep Them Away

Simple steps that help for this kind of animal.

  • Keep small pets inside at night
  • Use tall fences with a buried base
  • Secure trash, feed and bird seed
  • Lock poultry in a predator-proof coop at dusk

Similar Animals

More Predators and Large Animals

Free Tool

What Animal Is It? Identifier

Pick where it is, when you notice it and the signs you see, and get a ranked list of the likely Tennessee animals.

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Good to Know

Questions About Bobcat

Still have a question?

Call 615-357-7797

How do I know if I have a bobcat?

Common signs: large cat tracks without claw marks; dead rabbits or poultry carried off; rare sightings at dusk along woodland edges.

Is a bobcat dangerous?

Shy and rarely a danger to people, but poultry and small pets are at risk. When in doubt, keep your distance and call us.

What does Music City Wildlife do about a bobcat?

This animal is managed by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. If it is a danger or is injured, call TWRA. We help you protect your property, pets and garden with fencing, deterrents and securing food. Call 615-357-7797 any hour.

Free Estimate

Tell Us What Is Going On

Describe what you see, hear or smell and we will get back to you quickly with a plan and a free estimate. For an animal in the house or any emergency, skip the form and call 615-357-7797 any hour.

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