Size of the territory depends on availability of food. In areas where food is abundant, the range may be as small as five miles in diameter. In the Western states, a low density of prey forces bobcats to range wider. Habitat In Pennsylvania, bobcats usually inhabit mountains, deep forests, swamps, and occasionally, agricultural areas. Obviously, bobcats will live in areas where they can find ample shelter and food.
Bobcats seem to prosper in remote areas near clearcuts.
Oak leaf roller and gypsy moth caterpillars, insect pests which kill timber, may also indirectly increase small mammal populations by opening up the forest canopy and thus stimulating low, brushy growth. Early in this century, much of Pennsylvania was brushy, second-growth forest with an accompanying large population of grouse, rabbits, hares and small rodents. This terrific animal food supply and abundant uninhabited land allowed the bobcat to prosper. Bobcats are generally found in the state's mountainous areas. They are well established in northcentral and northeastern counties.