There are 86 recorded sightings of Bobcat in Illinois, with 10 observations documented in the past 12 months. Local sightings are most frequently reported in January through April.
When to See Bobcat in Illinois
Most often reported in January through April.
| Month | Recorded Sightings | Peak Month |
|---|---|---|
| January | 12 | Yes |
| February | 14 | Yes |
| March | 10 | Yes |
| April | 10 | Yes |
| May | 4 | No |
| June | 5 | No |
| July | 0 | No |
| August | 7 | No |
| September | 6 | No |
| October | 5 | No |
| November | 5 | No |
| December | 0 | No |
Compared With Other Regions
Explore how Bobcat sightings in Illinois compare to other North American hubs:
A tawny, spotted wild cat named for its short, bobbed tail, which has a black bar on top and a white underside. It has tufted ears and a ruff of fur on the cheeks. It lives across Canada, the United States and Mexico in forest, desert, swamp and suburbs, hunting rabbits and rodents. Watch field edges at dawn and dusk, and check trail cameras and tracks.
Other Wildlife to Look for in Illinois
Track Bobcat in Illinois
See where Bobcat was reported near you — get alerts when wildlife is spotted nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to see a Bobcat in Illinois?
Bobcat is most often reported in Illinois in January through April, based on GBIF records. Reports partly reflect when more people are outdoors, so sightings in other months are possible.
Where can I see a Bobcat in Illinois?
There are 86 documented Bobcat records in Illinois. Parks, refuges and protected areas with suitable habitat are the best places to start; the charts above show when it's reported most.
How can I find Bobcat sightings near me in Illinois?
Use the WildMap app on iOS to see recent reports within 100 km from the past 7 days for free (WildMap Pro: 200 km and 30 days), and turn on alerts for sightings near you in Illinois.