While driving along Cades Cove Loop Road, you can often see wildlife such as white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and even black bears! You may be surprised to know that the Smokies are also home to the bobcat, which is believed to be the only wild feline that lives in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Count yourself extremely lucky if you ever spot one of these big cats in Cades Cove, as they are shy animals that are incredibly leery of humans! Here are the top 4 reasons why bobcats are the most elusive wildlife in the Smoky Mountains:
1. Nocturnal Animals
Bobcats are primarily nocturnal animals, which makes them difficult to spot during the daylight hours while they are typically sleeping. However, they can sometimes be seen during the day while they are hunting for food (their preferred prey is rabbits, but they also hunt rodents and birds). The best chance of seeing a bobcat during the day is between April and July when they are most likely to have dependent young, but actual daylight sightings are still very rare due to the bobcat’s shy nature.
2. Excellent Camouflauge
Another one of the top reasons why bobcats are the most elusive wildlife in the Smoky Mountains is because they are remarkably camouflaged! The fur on their back and side is light to dark brown with black streaks and spots, making it easy for the bobcat to hide from their prey until it’s ready to pounce! Their “bobbed” tails, which are normally about 4 to 8 inches long, have distinct black bands on the upper side and are white below. This is a unique characteristic that distinguishes the bobcat from the lynx.
3. Move in Silence
The bobcat is a stealthy animal that is generally very quiet, much to the dismay of their prey! Despite their usual silence, loud yowls or meows may be heard during the breeding season. A bobcat may also scowl, snarl, and spit when confronted with danger. If you ever happen to see a bobcat in Cades Cove, maintain a safe distance at all times and never approach the animal as this could provoke a defensive response. In the unlikely event that you stumble upon a bobcat’s path while hiking, slowly back away while making eye contact and clapping your hands together.
4. Habitat Preference
Bobcats prefer to live in dense brush or wooded areas, which provides excellent cover for hiding. They also like the areas where forests border fields and meadows, making Cades Cove one of the better places to see this elusive wildlife in the Smoky Mountains (but still highly unlikely). These open areas have high densities of their principal prey species, the cottontail rabbit, and provide good den sites. In the late spring, the young are born in dens that are often positioned in rock crevices and ledges, brush piles, or hollow trees.
While bobcats may be the most elusive wildlife in the Smoky Mountains, there is a good chance you may see some other critters while visiting Cades Cove! Learn about the 5 animals you might spot on the Cades Cove Loop!
