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Where do bobcats live in the United States, Canada, and Mexico?

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The bobcat (Lynx rufus) is found across a wide range in North America, spanning from southern Canada to southern Mexico.1

  • United States: The species occurs throughout the contiguous United States, with the exception of Delaware.1
  • Canada: Its range extends into the southern regions of the country.1
  • Mexico: The bobcat is found as far south as the states of Oaxaca and Baja California Sur.1

Bobcats are highly adaptable and occupy diverse habitats, including conifer, deciduous, and mixed forests, as well as grasslands, swamps, deserts, and scrublands. While they are generally solitary and prefer areas with sufficient cover, they can occasionally be found in suburban areas or near agricultural land. They typically avoid deep snow and are rarely found at elevations above 3,500 meters.1