Felines

Bobcats

Arkansas has been given many names: The Land of Opportunity, the Natural State, and the Wonder State. These give nod to the abundance of natural beauty, and wildlife found here. It’s something we would never trade. Unfortunately, wild animals like bobcats have come to collide with mankind more frequently than we might like, resulting in dangerous encounters and property damage. That’s where the experts at Natural State Wildlife Solutions come in.

Bobcat populations have been exploding, and today are the most common wild cat in North America. They are distantly related to the house cats we keep as pets, but they’re about three times the size and much more vicious. They’re attracted to spaces that provide them food, water, and shelter. They’ll even wander onto your lawn to rest under the shade of a tree. Once they get there, they might find themselves interested in setting up a home on your property.

The 30-pound felines are mostly carnivorous but aren’t picky, feeding on animals as large as deer or as small as rabbits, squirrels, rats, and mice. They go after livestock, poultry, and pets if they find them. For decades, bobcats were viewed as a major threat to agriculture and game. The U.S. Department of Agriculture tracks their kills, noting that bobcats were deemed responsible for killing thousands of sheep and lambs in a single year, costing Americans hundreds of thousands of dollars.

In their natural habitat, bobcats are typically shy. When they come in contact with humans, though, that can change in an instant. They can jump as high as 12 feet and are excellent climbers, so simple fencing may not hold them at bay. If they feel threatened, they’ll lash out with sharp claws, pointed teeth, and incredible strength. If the animal has rabies, it can infect you with the deadly disease with its attack. They are known to save leftovers, covering their kill with leaves and dirt, then coming back later to finish the carcass. An unsuspecting person may walk over the site and put themselves at risk if seen as a threat to the meal.

Bobcats live for about 10-15 years and have annual litters of about 2-3 kittens. They create dens in hollow trees, piles of brush, and more. When they make it into populated areas, the deck outside a house serves just fine. They are extremely territorial, and that problem only gets worse when they have newborns.

Getting rid of a bobcat isn’t as easy as just shooting it away. There are hordes of state and local restrictions surrounding the animal. It’s illegal to shoot without a specific hunting permit and always unlawful to fire at them at night. It even takes a special permit to trap them.

The professionals at Natural State Wildlife Solutions bring years of experience to the table. We understand wildlife and the problems wild animals cause. Those issues don’t end the second the animal is gone, and we want to help you through the entire process. We are completely committed to remedying whatever pest issue you’re going through in a humane, quick, effective, and affordable way. For the best wildlife removal service you’ll find in Arkansas, call us today.