Last Updated on September 14, 2023 by Amin Tawar
Oregon has a ton of natural magnificence, untapped land, and rough topography. All of this donates to a rich wildlife scene that is treasured for years. But are there bobcats prevalent in Oregon?
In this article, I’ve explained everything you need to know about the bobcats in Oregon.
Are There Bobcats In Oregon?
Bobcats exist throughout the state of Oregon and are found in places except for high altitudes or cultivated lands. There are about 5,000-7,000 bobcats present throughout the state of Oregon.
Where Do Bobcats Live In Oregon & How common are bobcats in Oregon??
Bobcats use larger log piles or brush and logs or hollow trees as their dens in wooded regions. They usually tend to avoid in-depth winter snow areas as their small feet lessen their movement in snow. Bobcats occur all over Oregon and might be found in all regions. Just like other wildcats, bobcats are solitary and isolated, so sightings are occasional.
But if you are fortunate, you can catch a peek of a bobcat where there is covering nearby, like the golf course area or in a suburban yard around a forested area. Also, bobcats can be active during the day but are primarily active at dawn and dusk. During the daytime, they spend inactively resting in their dens.
How Large Is A Oregon Bobcat?
At first glimpse, bobcats might look similar to house cats to you, but they are quite bigger than stray house cats. They are the smallest wildcat species in Oregon. Female bobcats are only about half the size of the large male bobcats.
Male bobcats are usually big and heavy. They can weigh about 40 lbs. They are about 2 to 3 feet long and have short tufty tails, pointed ears, with long legs with little paws.
Are Bobcats Aggressive In Oregon?
Due to their smaller size in nature, bobcats are usually not deemed to be a threat to humans. But they can also turn aggressive, when disturbed or when their kittens are bothered.
Feeding and raising can lead to habituated bobcats as they start associating human people with an easy meal. Habituated bobcats can become aggressive, eventually leading to attacks.
Also Check Our Guide On Bobcats In US
What Do Bobcats Eat In Oregon?
Just like other wildcats, bobcats are stringent carnivore species. They are fond of small animals and birds. Wood rats, mice, squirrels, and rabbits the size of their animal’s diet. Bobcats are principal predators of the mountain beavers in forest regions of western Oregon.
You can also find them munching on deer occasionally. They are killed and eaten, and most of the meat found in their stomachs is carrion. The bird diet in bobcats tends to be ground residents such as quail and grouse but they eat almost every bird that feeds among the brushy patches and leaf litter.
Can You Kill A Bobcat In Oregon?
In Oregon, bobcats are categorized as protected furbearers under state law. You can hunt and trap with suitable permits and licenses, at specific times of year. Usually, the hunting season runs from December to February. The bag limits differ between eastern and western Oregon. Oregon has around 3,000 licensed furbearer trappers statewide.
The bobcats that you harvest must be deposited through ODFW checkposts which allows the department to track the population. Under Oregon laws, you can kill a bobcat that is causing damage to your livestock, a public nuisance, or a health risk. No permit is needed. However, you must immediately report to the department.
Can You Own A Bobcat In Oregon?
You cannot own any wild or exotic animals not indigenous to Oregon. The state protects the public against safety and health risks as exotic animals pose a threat to the community.
You need a permit to breed or keep exotic animals in the state. But you can not breed that animal, keep it for more than 30 days after the permit expiration, or suspension of permit.
What To Do If You See A Bobcat In Oregon?
It is unlikely that you will encounter a bobcat, but you can follow these steps to protect yourself:
- Never approach it and respect them by maintaining your distance as you are their guest.
- Do not turn your back and keep looking at it.
- Gradually back away to make some space for the cat to escape.
- Never run as it can provoke it to instinctively follow you.
- Make loud noises using bells, hitting your camping pots or hiking pole on the ground.
- Try spraying some water as they do not like water.
Also Check Our Guide On Bobcats In Oklahoma
Conclusion
And that was everything you need to know about the bobcats in Oregon. I hope this article answered all your queries.
Thank You For Reading!
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