Is there an effective way to keep a bobcat away from my property? Would a large dog be helpful? I've lost two large cats, one medium and one small dog in the last two years. I sighted the bobcat two years ago on the back of my property near large woodpiles. I think it was stalking my cats then. A month later my first cat was missing. We live on five acres on the edge of some bottom land and woods on the South edge of Carbondale. Have you have any other sightings in our neighborhood? Can you direct me to information about Bobcats in this area? Thank you.

This response was provided by Darryl Coates, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, District Wildlife Biologist.

Good morning, The first step in handling a problem with wildlife is to identify the animal that is causing the problem. In my opinion, you could be blaming the wrong species. Just because you saw a bobcat on your farm does not mean a bobcat was responsible for removing your pets unless you actually saw it happen. Our web directory contains photos of tracks, scat, typical signs of wildlife damage, and pictures of animals most likely to cause problems in Illinois. If you have photos of tracks, scat, or damage caused by wildlife that you would like to share and help us to identify the animal, please contact your local District Wildlife Biologist. For information about Bobcats in your area or if you need help trouble shooting your situation contact your local IDNR District Wildlife Biologist. Contact info. can be found on the "Find a Professional" page on the "Living with Wildlife" website.

Coyotes and foxes are the first animals I think of with the disappearance of domestic animals. The key is to make sure that cats and small dogs are inside by dusk. Also pick up food and water before nightfall. Domestic pets left outside at night are susceptible to predation. Pet food left out is easy picking for wildlife and make them less wary of humans. Please check out our website for Pevention and Control methods for these other species.

Bobcat information requested:

Legal Status The bobcat is protected in Illinois.

Damage Prevention and Control Methods

Exclusion Use woven-wire enclosures to discourage bobcats from entering poultry and small animal pens at night. Bobcats can climb, so wooden fence posts or structures that give the bobcat footing may not be effective. Bobcats also have the ability to jump fences 6 feet (1.8 m) or more in height. Use woven wire overhead if necessary. Fences are seldom totally effective except in very small enclosures.

Cultural Methods Bobcats prefer areas with sufficient brush, timber, rocks, and other cover, and normally do not move far from these areas. Keep brush cut or sprayed around farmsteads to eliminate routes of connecting vegetation from bobcat habitat to potential predation sites.

Frightening Devices Use night lighting with white flashing lights, or bright continuous lighting, to repel bobcats. You can also use blaring music, barking dogs, or changes in familiar structures to temporarily discourage bobcats.

Repellents, Fumigants, and Toxicants No chemical repellents, fumigants, or toxicants are currently registered for bobcats. Commercial house cat repellents might be effective in some very unusual circumstances. A hindrance to development of toxicants is the bobcat’s preference to feed on fresh kills.

Thanks for writing.

Bobcat been living in a small backyard shed I hav for I believe maybe a week or so not really sure I don’t go in or use the shed often the bobcat if in there just walks out in a slow pace and goes over my wall bobcat comes and I believe sleeps there really hasn’t been a problem but now I go out with my two small dogs does not feel aggressive I leave it alone it leaves me alone