Can You Kill A Bobcat On Your Property?

Disclaimer: The information presented below is for general informational & educational purposes only. Always consult with animal professionals in case of specific concerns.

So, can you kill a bobcat on your property?

If you live in an area with bobcats, you may be wondering this question, right?

The answer depends on the state you’re in, but generally speaking, it is not legal to kill a bobcat unless it is posing a threat to human safety or property.

Bobcats are important members of the ecosystem, and killing them should only be considered as a last resort.

Read on to learn more about the laws regarding bobcat hunting and what you can do to deter these animals from your property.

How Do You Know If It’s A Real Bobcat?

You can identify a bobcat by its tufted ears, ruffed face, and spotted coat.

Bobcats are relatively small, typically weighing between 15 and 35 pounds.

They are often active at dawn and dusk, and they typically hunt alone.

Bobcats are found in every state except for Alaska, and they prefer areas with dense vegetation where they can hide from predators and prey.

Can You Kill A Bobcat On Your Property?

In most cases, it is legal to kill a bobcat on your property in the United States.

However, there are a few restrictions you should be aware of.

For example, you cannot kill a bobcat if it is on federal land.

You should also check with your local wildlife officials to see if any specific regulations apply to your area, like this notice from the state of Virginia.

If you decide to hunt or trap a bobcat, be sure to follow all the laws and regulations.

Failure to do so could result in fines or imprisonment.

There are several reasons why you may want to kill a bobcat on your property.

For example, if the cat is damaging your property or posing a threat to your safety, you may decide to take action.

However, it is important to remember that bobcats are an important part of the ecosystem and should be treated with respect.

If you can live peacefully with a bobcat on your property, then you should consider doing so.

However, if there is no other way to protect yourself or your property, then killing the cat may be necessary.

What Are The Special Licenses For Shooting & Killing Animals Such As Bobcats On Your Property?

As far as I know, there are a few special licenses that are required in order to shoot animals on your property.

One is the predator control license, which is issued by the Department of Fish and Wildlife.

This license allows you to take specific predatory animals such as coyotes, skunks, and raccoons.

You may also need a furbearer license to take certain fur-bearing animals, such as bobcats and otters.

Finally, you may need a hunting license to take any animal for sport or food.

Each of these licenses has its own specific rules and regulations, so be sure to research them before you head out into the wild.

How To Avoid Problems With Bobcats

can you kill a bobcat on your property

Bobcats are a common sight in many parts of the United States, but they can also be very dangerous.

If you live near one, it is important to take steps to avoid problems with it.

The best way to avoid problems with a bobcat is to keep your property clean and free of debris.

Bobcats like to hunt small animals, so if you have a lot of debris or clutter on your property, they may be more likely to come around.

You should also make sure that your garbage cans are secured shut.

Bobcats are known for raiding garbage cans, so if you have one on your property, make sure it is secured.

As I mentioned previously if you have pets, make sure they are kept inside at night.

Bobcats are known to prey on small animals, and pets can be an easy target.

Other Tactics To Scare Away Bobcats

  • Use repellents: There are a variety of repellents on the market that can be used to deter bobcats from your backyard.
  • Some people have had success with using mothballs, ammonia, or pepper spray.
  • Install fences: If you have a fence around your yard, it will help to keep bobcats out.
  • Make sure the fence is at least six feet high and has mesh wire over the top.
  • Bring in your pets: Make sure to keep your pets inside at night and during the early morning hours when bobcats are most active.
  • This will help to keep them safe from being attacked.
  • Scare them away: You can also try to scare the bobcats away by making loud noises or using predator decoys.

If you are having problems with bobcats in your backyard, following these five tips should help to get rid of them.

However, if the problem persists, it is best to contact a professional wildlife removal service for assistance.

Do Bobcats Roam Around The Daytime?

The answer to this question is mostly no – bobcats are crepuscular animals, which means they’re most active at dawn and dusk.

This doesn’t mean that you won’t see a bobcat during the daytime, but it will be resting or hiding from view.

Bobcats are very secretive animals, and they prefer to stay hidden from humans and other predators.

Bobcats are also known for being very adaptable animals.

They can live in a variety of habitats, including forests, deserts, and even urban areas.

They’re able to survive in these environments by being great hunters.


If you live in an area with bobcats, it is important to know the laws surrounding hunting and trapping these animals.

For example, if a bobcat poses a threat to your property or safety, it may be necessary for you to shoot them down if possible.

However, doing so should only be considered as a last resort due to their importance in the ecosystem.

Be sure to check with your local wildlife officials to see if there are any specific regulations that apply to you.