The bobcat is the only wild cat found in Connecticut and is the most common wild cat in the country. Historically speaking, bobcats have not been protected in the state and were viewed as a threat to game species and agriculture. From 1935 to 1971, the state even had a bounty on bobcats.
But the early 1970s, concerns rose about possible over hunting of the species. In 1972, the bobcat was reclassified as a protected furbearer in the state with no trapping or hunting seasons. In other words, we've made another mess for ourselves. We got ourselves in - if you'll excuse the pun - DEEP.