Trail cameras in southern Will County have captured images of bobcats, including one with a pronounced limp. This bobcat had also appeared in footage from 2022, indicating its resilience and adaptability in the wild. Becky Blankenship, a wildlife ecologist, expressed optimism about the bobcat’s recovery.
Bobcats, scientifically named Lynx rufus, are native to Illinois and have experienced significant population growth over the past decade. Sightings are more often through footage than direct encounters, as these animals are elusive by nature. Blankenship noted regular appearances of bobcats in trail cam recordings and anecdotal reports from the community.
“Not a lot of people get to see these critters. It’s a pretty cool species, so if you do get to see it, it’s a really cool moment.” – Becky Blankenship
Bobcats inhabit areas with wooded terrain, often in bottomland forests. They are carnivores, primarily preying on rabbits and squirrels. Guillaume Bastille-Rousseau of Southern Illinois University explains that Illinois bobcat numbers rebounded following a historic decline that began in the 1970s. By 1977, hunting was banned, aiding their recovery. Bobcats were removed from the threatened list in 1999, and a regulated hunting season was reintroduced in 2016.
The current hunting season spans from November 10 to February 15, with around 2,000 permits issued each year. Permit holders are limited to one bobcat per season. However, bobcat hunting in Will County remains prohibited, and all forest preserves restrict any wildlife harvesting.
“Hunters and trappers must complete education courses that teach them how to harvest game animals ethically and responsibly.” – Becky Blankenship
Bastille-Rousseau emphasized that bobcats, although larger than house cats, are not aggressive towards humans. They are cautious and prefer avoiding human interaction. Typically weighing between 15 to 30 pounds, bobcats are crepuscular, meaning they are most active at dawn and dusk.
For those hoping to spot a bobcat, Blankenship advises respectful observation from a distance. Interaction should be avoided, allowing individuals to enjoy the sighting without disturbance.
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