Bobcats are native to Pennsylvania, but have historically suffered from very low population numbers due to habitat loss. Bobcats numbers were so low that the Commonwealth suspended hunting on these animals from 1970-1999. As their numbers rebounded, bobcats began to expand into areas that they had not been seen in for decades. Currently, it is believed that there are approximately 20,000 bobcats in Pennsylvania. The 2018 Gateway Clipper bobcat was the first documented bobcat in Pittsburgh. In 2021, a bobcat seems to have appeared on a camera in East Liberty. It is safe to say that bobcats do not live in Pittsburgh in any great numbers. However, as bobcats do live in surrounding counties, it is only a matter of time before they exploit Pittsburgh's many green spaces and abundant prey species like squirrels, rabbits, rodents, birds, snakes, and even the occasional deer.

Bobcats are extremely elusive. Even in areas with big bobcat populations, people rarely see them. With trail cameras and doorbell cameras becoming common in the area it is only a matter of time before a bobcat turns up on one.

A bobcat will most likely be terrified of an adult human. If you yell or appear threatening the bobcat will likely flee. Keep an eye on small pets and children if bobcats are in the area. Cats need to be kept indoors at all times.