Where Does Illinois’ Bobcat Population Go When It Gets Cold?

If I were to guess, based on my own experience, how many bobcats there are in Illinois, my answer would probably be “very few.” I’ve lived in northern Illinois my whole life. The woods were right next door growing up, and in all those years, I only saw a bobcat once, a quick glimpse, then it disappeared into the trees.

When I told my parents that night, my mom went into full “they could eat you!” mode. “That thing could’ve done damage. It's the predator and you're its dinner.” she said.

Spoiler alert: That’s not how bobcats operate. They’re shy, secretive, and not aggressive toward people unless something’s gone very wrong (like disease).

You May Never See One, But That Doesn't Mean Illinois Is Bobcat-Free

The Land of Lincoln is far from being bobcat-free.

Bobcat numbers in Illinois are climbing. According to the Illinois Bobcat Foundation, there may be more than 5,000 bobcats roaming in 99 of Illinois’s 102 counties. After being removed from the state-threatened list in 1999, a regulated hunting and trapping season resumed in 2016, and harvests have grown ever since.

In the most recent (2024–2025) season, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources reported 649 bobcats harvested, with 415 taken by hunters, 234 by trappers, and 25 salvaged (which means roadkill). IDNR also noted a 32.5% success rate during that season, slightly above average.

They Don't Head To Florida To Spend Their Winters

While we mostly hear about population numbers and hunting seasons, bobcats in Illinois don’t just hunker down in winter. Here’s a look into their winter life:

Bobcats are territorial all year long. In winter, they continue to patrol their home ranges, but their patterns may shift depending on where prey is easiest to find. With snow covering the ground, they often stick to areas with denser cover where small mammals are more accessible.

Even in cold months, bobcats hunt actively. Their primary prey remains animals like rabbits, squirrels, mice, and birds. Because of the snow, they may work harder to locate and ambush prey, using dense vegetation or natural terrain to their advantage.

Bobcats are usually most active at dawn and dusk, but in winter, when energy conservation is more critical, they sometimes shift to being more active during daylight hours. Their thick winter fur helps insulate them, so they can maintain activity even in colder, snowier conditions.

When they aren’t out hunting, bobcats find refuge in places like hollow trees, rocky outcrops, dense brush, or even abandoned burrows. These natural shelters help them stay protected from harsh weather. Though they don’t hibernate, they may reduce unnecessary activity on the coldest or snowiest days to conserve energy.

While mating season generally begins in late winter or early spring (around February into March in Illinois), winter is a time when bobcats may roam more widely in preparation. Males may expand their movements to find potential mates, and females may strategically use their territories to set up denning areas for when kits arrive.