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What to do if you find an injured or orphaned bobcat in North Carolina
Help, I found a bobcat! Do this FIRST
Do not approach or attempt to capture a bobcat without instruction from a wildlife professional.
Bobcats are native to North Carolina and occur throughout the state. They are roughly twice the size of an average domestic cat and can live surprisingly close to people while rarely being seen.
If you see a healthy bobcat moving through your yard, woods, neighborhood, or property, the best response is usually to give it space and allow it to leave on its own.
What to do RIGHT NOW:
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If the bobcat is visibly injured, unable to move normally, or has been struck by a vehicle, Contact us IMMEDIATELY! Call or text CWCC right away at 980-389-1133 (leave a voicemail)
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Keep your distance.
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Bring small pets indoors.
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Keep dogs leashed and away from the animal.
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Bring children inside.
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Never intentionally feed a bobcat.
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Do not chase, corner, or attempt to capture it.
What NOT to do:
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Do NOT feed
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Do NOT give water
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Do NOT try to care for them overnight
I saw a bobcat during the day. Is something wrong?
Not necessarily.
Seeing a normally behaving wild animal during daylight hours is not by itself evidence that the animal is sick.
Look at the animal's overall behavior and physical condition, rather than simply the time of day.
A bobcat may need professional evaluation if it::
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Cannot stand or walk normally
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Is dragging a limb
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Has an obvious severe wound
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Has been struck by a vehicle
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Appears disoriented or neurologically abnormal
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Remains collapsed or unresponsive
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Has become trapped or entangled
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Has suffered a known attack or significant trauma
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If something seems wrong, do not attempt to catch it yourself. Call us.
I found a bobcat kitten!
If the kitten is:
Alert + uninjured + in a protected area
Leave it where it is, keep people and pets away, and contact CWCC for guidance before intervening.
If the kitten is:
Injured + weak + cold + covered in flies + next to a deceased mother
Contact CWCC immediately.
Seeing a young bobcat alone does not automatically mean it has been abandoned.Wild mothers frequently leave young animals temporarily while they hunt or move through their territory.
Do not feed the kitten or attempt to give it cow's milk, formula, meat, or water unless specifically instructed by a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
What to consider
Bobcats naturally use wooded areas, forest edges, and other habitats throughout North Carolina. Wooded areas of the Coastal Plain and mountains support particularly strong populations.
To reduce conflict:
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Never feed bobcats.
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Feed pets indoors when possible.
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Do not leave pet food outside overnight.
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Secure trash and food waste.
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Supervise cats and small dogs outdoors.
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Clear dense vegetation immediately around areas used by pets or livestock when appropriate.
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Give a passing bobcat room to leave.
What happens after you call?
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Our dedicated team of highly trained professionals will help you assess the situation. We will ask you basic questions like your location and the status of the animal.
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We will guide you step by step along the way and provide you with expert advice. You are NOT expected to handle this on your own!
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If we determine that help is needed for the animal, we will work with you to arrange care.