Early in this century, much of Pennsylvania was brushy, second-growth forest allowing large populations of the Bobcat's favorite foods. This terrific animal food supply and abundant uninhabited land allowed the bobcat to prosper. This resulted in a decreased population of Bobcats to the point that they were given total protection within our state in 1970. 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. Forest management to provide more prey, as well as monitoring Bobcat populations, has resulted in an increased cat population over the past 20 years. The Bobcat has increased in number statewide and have been continually expanding their range.