Recent social media chatter sparked speculation about a possible mountain lion sighting in a Columbia neighborhood northeast of downtown. However, some online users suggested that it might have been a bobcat instead. Nate Bowersock, a biologist specializing in black bears and fur bearers at the Missouri Department of Conservation, noted that sightings of large cats are becoming more common in urban settings.
“We’re noticing increased bobcat activity near developed areas,” Bowersock explained. While bobcats are still more frequently found in less populated rural regions of Boone County and across Missouri, there have been instances, such as in Kansas City neighborhoods, where these elusive cats have adapted to living near humans.
In contrast, mountain lions are rare sights in Missouri, as there isn’t an established population here. However, occasional sightings do occur, including a confirmed one in northern Boone County in January 2023. The Missouri Department of Conservation’s large carnivore response team verifies such sightings.
“Bobcats are a native species in Missouri and are quite common,” Bowersock emphasized. “Wild cat species typically lead solitary lives, except for females with kittens, and they often inhabit less developed areas.”
As human habitats expand, bobcats may adjust their behavior to coexist with humans, sometimes becoming more active at night. Bowersock also noted that wildlife, regardless of species, is often seen during the early morning or evening hours.
It’s not just bobcats venturing into urban areas, though. Other carnivorous species, such as gray or red foxes and coyotes, have also been observed adapting to urban environments.
