Rarely seen — and running the gambit in Iowa history from endangered all the way to a sustained population — Bobcats have made a remarkable comeback. These elusive creatures were once on the brink of extinction in the state but have now rebounded, playing a vital role in our ecosystems. Their resurgence is not just good news for wildlife enthusiasts but also for public health, as these cunning felines help combat the spread of diseases. No, I'm not kidding.

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Nature’s Disease Fighters

Bobcats significantly contribute to controlling the spread of Lyme disease, which is transmitted to humans by blacklegged ticks carrying the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. These ticks often acquire the bacteria by feeding on mice and other rodents, which are highly efficient at passing on the infection.

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Bobcats, however, are poor hosts for the Lyme bacterium. When ticks feed on bobcats, they rarely become carriers of the bacteria, reducing the chances of transmission to humans. By preying on rodents, bobcats help reduce their populations, which in turn decreases the number of ticks that become infected. This is known as the dilution effect — when predators like bobcats limit the number of disease-carrying hosts, they help create a healthier ecosystem.

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In ecosystems lacking larger predators like bobcats, mouse and rodent populations increase, leading to a higher percentage of ticks carrying the Lyme bacterium. This situation can cause a spike in disease transmission, as the ticks primarily feed on these abundant rodent hosts.

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Coexisting with Bobcats

As bobcat populations grow, they are increasingly sharing spaces with humans. However, living alongside these wildcats requires a bit of effort. Avoiding the use of rodenticides is crucial since poisoned rodents can harm bobcats when eaten. Supporting wildlife corridors and creating safe, wildlife-friendly spaces can help ensure these predators thrive while keeping ecosystems balanced. It's officially that time of year where you may begin to hear them, as mating season has begun in earnest. Trust me though, hearing them is much easier than actually spotting them. Hearing them at night while camping can also be terrifying (video below).

In Iowa, bobcats are often mistaken for their larger relatives, mountain lions. However, there are key differences: bobcats have a short tail and are much smaller, typically weighing 20 to 30 pounds compared to the hefty 90 to 160 pounds of mountain lions. They also have a distinct spotted coat, unlike the mountain lion's uniform, tawny color. They can give birth to anywhere from 2 to 4 kittens usually between the months of April and July.

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Bobcats’ recovery in Iowa has been a conservation success story, but challenges remain. Habitat loss, increased human interaction, and the lingering effects of rodenticides pose major threats. Protecting these essential predators requires ongoing commitment from communities, policymakers, and conservationists.

By valuing the role bobcats play in our ecosystems, we can ensure their populations continue to grow, keeping our environment healthier and more balanced — especially for you hikers hoping to avoid Lyme disease. So, the next time you hear about bobcats or even manage to see one, remember — they’re not just cunning hunters, they're also crucial allies in our fight against tick-borne disease.

Photos: A Trip Through Wild Cat Den State Park

My Families 3.3 Mile Hike Through Wild Cat Den State Park Outside of Muscatine, Iowa.

Gallery Credit: Tom Ehlers

Photos: The Desoto National Wildlife Refuge

Gallery Credit: Tom Drake

Photos: Iowa's Pictured Rocks Wildlife Management Area

Nestled just five miles southeast of Monticello, Iowa, the Pictured Rocks Wildlife Management Area is an over 1,100-acre treasure trove of natural beauty and outdoor adventure. Named for its stunning limestone bluffs along the Maquoketa River Valley, Pictured Rocks offers a diverse ecosystem that captivates visitors with rock climbing, spelunking, hiking, and much more.

Gallery Credit: Tom Drake

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