History of Bobcat in Timeline
The bobcat (Lynx rufus), a medium-sized wild cat, is native to North America and found from southern Canada to Oaxaca, Mexico. Known by various names such as wildcat, bay lynx, and red lynx, it's one of four species within the Lynx genus. Since 2002, the bobcat has been classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List because of its large population and wide distribution. Despite being hunted for fur and sport, its population remains generally stable, although some localized declines have been observed.
1970: Hunting and Trapping Ban in Pennsylvania
From 1970 to 1999, hunting and trapping of bobcats was banned in Pennsylvania.
1972: Bobcat Granted Full Legal Protection in New Jersey
In 1972 the bobcat was given full legal protection in New Jersey.
1981: Subspecies Validity Challenged
In 1981, the validity of the recognized bobcat subspecies was challenged due to only minor differences between specimens from different regions.
1988: US Fish and Wildlife Service Bobcat Population Estimate
In 1988, the US Fish and Wildlife Service estimated between 700,000 and 1,500,000 bobcats in the US.
1991: Bobcat Listed as Endangered in New Jersey
The bobcat was listed as an endangered species in New Jersey in 1991.
1999: Bobcat Removed from Illinois Threatened List
In 1999, the bobcat was removed from the threatened species list of Illinois.
2002: IUCN Red List Status
In 2002, the bobcat was listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List due to its wide distribution and large population.
2003: Bobcat Removed from Iowa Threatened List
The bobcat was removed from the threatened species list of Iowa in 2003.
2004: Bobcat Predation on Sheep
In 2004, bobcats were reported to have killed 11,100 sheep, representing 4.9% of all sheep predator deaths, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service.
2005: Mexican Bobcat Delisted
In 2005, the Mexican bobcat (L. r. escuinipae) was delisted from the endangered species list by the US Fish and Wildlife Service.
2008: Bobcat Killed in Michigan
In 2008, a bobcat was killed near Albion, Michigan.
March 2010: Bobcat Sighting in Houston
In early March 2010, a bobcat was sighted and captured in a parking garage in downtown Houston.
2011: Bobcat Sightings Decrease in Everglades
Between 2003 and 2011, bobcat sightings in the Everglades decreased by 87.5%, attributed to predation by Burmese pythons.
June 20, 2012: Large Bobcat Specimen Reported
On June 20, 2012, a roadkill bobcat specimen weighing 27 kg (60 lb) was reported in New Hampshire.
2017: Cat Taxonomy Revision
As of 2017, only two bobcat subspecies are recognized as valid taxa following a revision of cat taxonomy.
2018: Bobcat Captured in Pittsburgh
In 2018, a bobcat was captured on a tourist boat in Downtown Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.