Indiana Welcomes the Return of Bobcats: Sightings Reported Across the State, Reveals DNR
The return of bobcats to Indiana is official, according to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
Bobcats Spotted in Nearly Every Indiana County
Sightings of these elusive creatures have been reported by Hoosiers in almost every county of the state. Although bobcats are more commonly found in the southern and west-central parts of Indiana, there have been documented sightings in other areas as well. Several notable sightings of bobcats in Southern Indiana have been captured on camera.
Bobcat Characteristics
A study conducted by the Indiana DNR revealed that bobcats have the ability to travel up to 100 miles from their birthplace. Describing the physical characteristics of bobcats, the DNR notes that they have short tails measuring less than six inches in length.
Their fur is reddish-brown or tan in color with a white belly and black marks on the inside of their legs. Some individuals may have spots scattered throughout their coat, and they possess distinctive white-backed black ears. Typically, bobcats weigh between 15 and 30 pounds and measure 30 to 50 inches in length.
How to Deter Bobcats from Visiting Your Property
Fortunately, the DNR's conservation officers have received very few reports of bobcat attacks. Furthermore, there are simple ways to deter bobcats from entering residential yards. Bird feeders can lure mice and squirrels, resulting in attracting bobcats. Removing the bird feeders or trimming lower branches of thick bushes where rabbits hide can discourage the presence of bobcats on your property.
What to Do If You Spot a Bobcat in Indiana
If you happen to spot a bobcat in Indiana, the DNR encourages you to report the sighting through a form available on their website. This information helps the DNR monitor and better understand the distribution and behavior of these remarkable animals in the state.
[Source: Indiana DNR]