ACT: Protect Indiana’s Bobcat Success Story!

UPDATE: A second comment period is open through August 27, 2026.

In their response, the Department of Natural Resources states: “Regarding the quota, a bobcat trapping season quota of four hundred (400) bobcats was calculated using the population model established by Purdue University, the habitat availability, the number of complaints the state has received, and the fact that the 2025 bobcat trapping season closed in 28 days in 2025.”

Essentially, DNR is acknowledging that they are not tracking their own modeling indicators over any reasonable period of time following the 2025 trapping season to understand the impact on bobcat populations.

Your voice is needed to protect the welfare of bobcats in Indiana! Submit your comment today!

Public Hearing:

August 27, 2026 at 2:00 PM Eastern.

Fort Harrison Inn, Roosevelt Room

5830 North Post Road

Indianapolis, IN

Additional background:

In 2005, Indiana removed bobcats from the state’s endangered species list, constituting an inspiring win for the long years of conservation efforts to ensure bobcats have a home here in Indiana. Now, the Indiana Natural Resources Commission (INRC) is weighing a proposed interim rule that will put recently recovered bobcat populations into decline. According to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) own data on page 7 in the 2024 Bobcat Status Update increasing to 400 the take limit of bobcats that can be trapped or hunted will put bobcat populations into decline and on their way back towards Indiana’s Endangered Species list.

You can protect Bobcats in Indiana now by submitting your comment asking Commissioners to reject the expansion of bobcat trapping and hunting in Indiana.

Here is what our Sierra Club Hoosier Chapter leaders have to say about the proposed increase to bobcat hunting and trapping:

“These wild cats help keep ecosystems healthy. Please consider, future generations deserve to enjoy this mysterious creature in its wild, natural environment.”

-Lora Kemp, Conservation Committee Chair and ExCom Vice Chair

"The bobcat is our only native wild cat in Indiana and they deserve to be protected after 50 years of near extinction. Not only do we not know how many bobcats are in Indiana, we don't know how many are being killed already through hunting, trapping or impact with cars. Save the bobcats! ”

-Kasey Jackson, Sierra Club Member

"I think it is important to continue to keep a conservative limit on bobcat hunting for the time being. Allowing these animals a longer time to continue to bounce back and thrive ensures that future generations have the opportunity to observe and enjoy these wild animals in Indiana."

-Skyler Johnson, ExCom Member

Will you act in solidarity with our Sierra Club Hoosier Chapter leadership community and ask commissioners to reject the expansion of bobcat hunting and trapping in Indiana?

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Protect the welfare of bobcats in Indiana

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Chairman Mahan and Members of the Indiana Natural Resources Commission, Thank you for your consideration of public comments submitted during the first open comment period regarding Natural Resources Commission docketed rule: Hunting of Bobcats and Increase in Statewide Season Quota (312 IAC 9). In reviewing the response to public comments outlined in LSA Document #26-98, one basis cited by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for moving forward with the rule is “an increase of more than 140% in negative human-bobcat interactions reported over seven years.” Thirty-four nuisance reports statewide is a remarkably low number of incidents. Additionally, with 2025 being Indiana’s first bobcat taking season, it is impossible to know what impact introducing a trapping season is having on bobcat populations in Indiana. DNR also states “Indiana does not estimate its bobcat population” which further creates uncertainty about the impact to Indiana’s recovering bobcat population. In fact, DNR has failed to track indicators outlined in their own preferred population modeling over any reasonable amount of time to understand the impacts of the 250 quota established in 2025. Data sets which provide indicators or that account for the impacts to bobcat populations following the 2025 trapping season do not yet exist. Increasing the bobcat quota is not justified at this time. Additionally, the recovery of Indiana’s bobcat populations is an achievement which trumpets our ability as humans to have a beneficial impact for the welfare of wild animals. In this case, restoring bobcat populations is something we can take pride in among Indiana’s conservation wins. As DNR states in their response, "State law in IC 14-22-2-6 allows administrative rules to be adopted only after thorough investigation; and based upon data relative to the following: (A) The welfare of the wild animal; (B) The relationship of the wild animal to other animals; and (C) The welfare of the people.” I am asking you to protect the welfare of bobcats and reject Proposed Rule: Hunting of Bobcats and Increase in Statewide Season Quota (312 IAC 9). Thank you for your consideration,

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