Bobcat video captured in Murrysville, PA

Unveiling the Elusive: Our First Bobcat Sighting on Camera

Capturing a bobcat on video is an exciting milestone for wildlife enthusiasts, and for us at PixCams, it marks a moment of awe and achievement. This elusive predator, known for its secretive nature and striking appearance, has finally graced our cameras with its presence at our location in Murrysville, PA. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the story behind this remarkable footage and what it reveals about the fascinating life of bobcats in the wild.

PixCams, formally PixController, early digital trail camera prototype from 2001

Since its inception, PixCams, formerly PixController, Inc., has been a trailblazer in the world of wildlife monitoring, constantly pushing the boundaries of what technology can do to bring nature closer to people. In the late 1990s, we were at the forefront of developing trail camera technology, creating tools that allowed researchers, conservationists, and nature enthusiasts to capture stunning images of wildlife without intruding on their natural behaviors. One of our most significant milestones was the development of the first digital trail camera, a groundbreaking product that became a staple at Cabela’s and changed how people monitored wildlife.

For over two decades, we have been using these trail cameras in our region to document the fascinating array of wildlife that calls it home. These cameras have captured everything from majestic bald eagles to the elusive fisher, each photo and video offering a window into the hidden lives of these incredible creatures. Yet, despite years of exploration and tens of thousands of images, one species had always eluded our cameras: the bobcat.

That’s what makes this moment so extraordinary. After 25 years of deploying cutting-edge technology in the field in Murrysville, we’ve finally captured a bobcat on video for the very first time. Known for their solitary and secretive nature, bobcats are notoriously difficult to spot, let alone photograph. This sighting represents not just a technological achievement but also a deeply personal milestone for us at PixCams. It’s a moment of discovery and wonder that reminds us why we began this journey in the first place: to connect people with the beauty and mystery of wildlife.

This achievement underscores the importance of innovation in wildlife monitoring. Over the years, PixCams has continuously refined its camera systems to be more effective, reliable, and unobtrusive. From infrared night vision to motion-triggered sensors, each advancement has brought us closer to capturing moments like this. The bobcat footage stands as a testament to how far trail camera technology has come since we first set out to pioneer the field.

For those who have followed our journey since the beginning, this moment is a shared triumph. It’s a reminder of the vast richness of the natural world and how much there still is to discover, even in areas we think we know well. Capturing this elusive predator is not just a personal victory—it’s a milestone for all wildlife enthusiasts who share our passion for uncovering nature’s secrets.

Bobcat captured by PixCams on Tuscarora Mountain, PA

A Closer Look at Pennsylvania’s Elusive Wildcat

The bobcat is one of North America’s most iconic yet elusive predators. Known for its tufted ears, short “bobbed” tail, and striking spotted coat, the bobcat is a symbol of stealth and adaptability. These medium-sized wildcats are widespread across the United States, including Pennsylvania, where they are a keystone species in the ecosystem. Despite being rarely seen due to their secretive nature, bobcats play an essential role as predators, helping to maintain the balance of their habitats.

Bobcats thrive in a wide range of habitats, from forests and swamps to brushlands and rocky terrain. In Pennsylvania, they are most commonly found in the state’s mountainous regions, such as the Allegheny Plateau and the Pocono Mountains. These areas provide the dense cover and diverse terrain they need to hunt and hide from predators. Bobcats are territorial animals, marking their ranges with scent to deter others of their kind. Their keen senses and camouflage make them highly effective hunters, able to stalk prey unnoticed.

As carnivores, bobcats have a diet that consists of small mammals like rabbits, squirrels, and rodents. They are also known to hunt birds, reptiles, and occasionally larger animals such as deer fawns when food is scarce. Their adaptability allows them to survive even in challenging conditions, as they can adjust their diet based on availability. This opportunistic feeding behavior has contributed to their success in various habitats, including those impacted by human activity.

In Pennsylvania, bobcat populations have rebounded significantly in recent decades, thanks to conservation efforts and habitat protection. Once heavily hunted and trapped, bobcats are now managed under strict regulations to ensure their numbers remain stable. Current estimates suggest that the population is healthy and expanding, with sightings becoming more frequent in areas where they were previously rare.

Bobcats are solitary animals except during the breeding season, which typically occurs between January and March. After a gestation period of about 60 to 70 days, females give birth to a litter of one to six kittens, usually in April or May. The mother raises the young alone, often sheltering them in a den located in a hollow tree, rock crevice, or abandoned burrow. The kittens stay with their mother for about nine months, learning essential survival skills before venturing off on their own.

The resurgence of the bobcat in Pennsylvania is a conservation success story, demonstrating how wildlife can recover with proper management and public awareness. These elusive predators are a testament to the resilience of nature and remind us of the incredible diversity of wildlife that calls Pennsylvania home. Capturing one on camera for the first time is not just a thrilling achievement but also an opportunity to celebrate and learn more about this remarkable species.

Tips for Placing a Trail Camera to Capture Bobcats or Coyotes

Choose the Right Location
- Game Trails and Travel Corridors: Look for well-worn animal trails, dry creek beds, or ridgelines where wildlife frequently travel.
- Edges of Habitats: Position your camera at the boundary between two habitat types, such as a forest edge meeting an open field. These transition zones are often hotspots for predators like bobcats and coyotes.
- Water Sources: Areas near streams, ponds, or small waterholes are great spots to set up a camera, as these attract both prey and predators.
Focus on Natural Attractants
- Bobcats are drawn to areas with abundant prey. Look for signs of rabbits, squirrels, or rodents, such as burrows, tracks, or scat.
- Coyotes often visit areas with carrion or small prey, so setting up near known food sources can increase your chances.
Use Scent or Bait Strategically
- Apply scent lures designed for bobcats or coyotes sparingly near the camera. Scents mimicking prey or predator urine can be particularly effective.
- If baiting is allowed in your area, consider using small animal carcasses or meat scraps, but check local regulations to ensure compliance.
Set the Camera at the Right Height and Angle
- For bobcats, position the camera about 1 to 2 feet off the ground, as these smaller predators stay close to the ground.
- For coyotes, a height of about 2 to 3 feet works best. Aim the camera slightly downward to capture the animal’s face and body.
Optimize Camera Placement
- Point the camera along the trail rather than directly across it. This gives the camera more time to trigger and capture clear images.
- Avoid pointing the camera directly into the sun to prevent glare or overexposed images.
Camouflage Your Camera
- Use natural materials like leaves, branches, or bark to blend the camera into its surroundings.
- Ensure the camera is securely fastened to avoid detection or disturbance by curious wildlife.
Check for Signs of Activity
- Look for claw marks on trees, tracks, or scat to determine where bobcats or coyotes may be passing through.
- Pay attention to areas with dense vegetation or natural cover where these animals might hunt or rest.
Use Night Vision and Motion Detection
- Both bobcats and coyotes are crepuscular, meaning they are most active during dawn, dusk, and nighttime. Ensure your trail camera has reliable night vision and motion detection capabilities.
Be Patient and Persistent
- Predators like bobcats and coyotes are elusive, so it may take weeks or months to capture quality footage. Regularly check your camera, refresh batteries, and reposition as needed based on activity patterns.
Minimize Human Scent

Wear gloves while handling the camera to reduce human scent. Consider spraying the camera with a scent eliminator before placement.

By following these tips, you’ll increase your chances of capturing a photo or video of these elusive predators and gain deeper insights into their behaviors and habitats.

Bobcat captured by PixCams on Laurel Ridge, PA

A Milestone in Wildlife Discovery

The first sighting of a bobcat on one of our trail cameras is a moment that encapsulates the heart of what PixCams is all about—combining innovative technology with a passion for uncovering nature’s hidden wonders. After decades of exploring the wild and refining our tools, this elusive predator has finally graced our cameras, offering a rare glimpse into its secretive world. It’s a milestone that reminds us of the vast diversity of wildlife around us and the excitement of discovering something new, even after years of dedicated work. As we continue to push the boundaries of trail camera technology, we look forward to capturing more incredible moments like this and sharing them with our growing community of wildlife enthusiasts. This bobcat sighting is just the beginning of what’s possible when innovation meets nature’s mysteries.

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